Within Kuwait University’s Strategy to Meet Labor Market Requirements:
The College of Science Introduces New Academic Programs in Cybersecurity, Financial and Actuarial Mathematics, and Data Analytics
The Dean of the College of Science at Kuwait University, Professor Haider Behbehani, stated that, driven by the College’s keenness to keep pace with the latest labor market demands and to provide qualified workforce, by equipping students with all necessary knowledge and skills to prepare them for competition in the job market and contribute to development, several new academic programs have been introduced. These include: the Cybersecurity program in the Computer Science Department, the Financial and Actuarial Mathematics program in the Mathematics Department, and the Data Analytics program (as a supporting major in the Statistics Department).

Cybersecurity Program
Acting Head of the Computer Science Department, Dr. Zaid Dashti, mentioned that the Computer Science Department at the College of Science offers a comprehensive and focused academic program that covers in-depth studies in the main areas of cybersecurity. This begins with computer science fundamentals and continues through theoretical foundations of cryptography as well as practical topics such as data, network, and software security. The program requirements for Computer Science and Cybersecurity have been academically designed considering the core requirements of ABET accreditation, as well as labor market needs aligned with technological developments and Kuwait’s future vision. The design also incorporates feedback from experts at prestigious universities in the United States.
Dr. Dashti added that the department possesses qualified and professional human resources, including faculty members and academic support staff, who have published numerous research papers related to cybersecurity and supporting fields such as computer networks and operating systems during their academic studies.
He affirmed that the Computer Science Department is fully prepared to welcome students interested in studying Computer Science and Cybersecurity. Many required courses for this specialization are currently offered within the department’s main program, benefiting from extensive departmental experience in this field. The department has met all requirements set by the Vice President for Academic Affairs Office regarding the establishment of a new program at Kuwait University. The program has received support from the College of Science Deanship and approval from the Deanship of Admission and Registration over a year ago. The proposal was submitted after peer review by three cybersecurity experts for presentation to the Scientific Affairs Committee.

Importance of Cybersecurity
Dr. Zaid Dashti emphasized that cybersecurity specialization is not limited to virtual systems only but is a fundamental scientific discipline within computer science. It holds critical importance due to recent technological and computing advances. With increased reliance on digital systems in sectors such as health, defense, transportation, communications, and finance — and given many vulnerabilities in these systems — there is a growing need for specialists with strong scientific backgrounds and practical experience in building secure systems. Since infrastructures mainly depend on computer systems connected through networks, cybersecurity aims to prevent hackers from accessing sensitive data and attacking devices, which could disrupt vital aspects of civilian life like electricity, water, and road networks.

The Role of Cybersecurity as a University Major
Dr. Dashti further explained that the Computer Science and Cybersecurity program offered by the Department of Computer Science at the College of Science — Kuwait University — aims to graduate specialists capable of protecting data, networks, and digital systems across all governmental and private sectors. Therefore, it is essential to start officially enrolling students in this pivotal major and prepare national cadres to fulfill the national duty in one of the fastest-growing fields worldwide. Graduates are expected to play a prominent and impactful role in reducing the increasing global rates of cyber fraud, which poses a serious threat to securing safe work environments.

Financial and Actuarial Mathematics Program
Dr. Mishari Al-Foraih, faculty member in the Mathematics Department, clarified that the Financial and Actuarial Mathematics program is a new program introduced by the Mathematics Department to keep pace with labor market developments. This program was created based on the needs of both the public and private sectors. Graduates can join various financial sectors in the country, including:
•    Central Bank of Kuwait
•    Capital Markets Authority
•    Public Institution for Social Security
•    Banks
•    Insurance Companies
Al-Foraih explained that this program teaches how to make appropriate financial decisions based on predicting future changes in various financial products, such as investment portfolios, bonds, stocks, insurance, and pensions.
Data analysis and forecasting are performed by studying a variety of disciplines, including:
•    Mathematics
•    Finance
•    Economics
•    Statistics
•    Probability
He also pointed out that the program is accredited by the Society of Actuaries. During their studies, students have the opportunity to undergo outstanding training in the private sector, such as banks and insurance companies. After graduation, students can apply for key jobs in the aforementioned sectors and obtain career opportunities with excellent financial and professional benefits.
Possible job positions for graduates include:
•    Actuarial Analyst
•    Financial Analyst
•    Data Analyst
•    Risk Expert
•    Pension and Insurance Specialist

Data Analytics Program (Supporting Major – Statistics Department)
In the same context, Acting Head of the Statistics Department, Dr. Fatima Al-Mathkoor, indicated that with the increasing reliance on data in all fields, the “Data Analytics” program offered by the Department of Statistics and Operations Research at the College of Science (as a supporting major) is an ideal choice for students wishing to enhance their academic and professional prospects in various fields such as business, economics, health, science, and engineering. The minor specialization in data analytics enables students from all majors to develop skills in data analysis and understanding, offering flexibility to combine it with other specializations (e.g., health data, financial data, environmental data, educational data, social media data).

Future of the Data Analytics Major
Dr. Al-Mathkoor noted that with the move toward digital transformation and Kuwait Vision 2035, massive projects rely on data analytics to improve public services, make decisions, and predict needs. This has led to increased demand in the labor market across government sectors, banks, health and education, marketing, energy, and oil. She explained that the data analytics specialization provides diverse job opportunities such as: data analyst, data scientist, business analyst, business intelligence developer, and quality analyst.
She added: “It is recommended to choose data analytics if the student is interested in using technology for decision-making and acquiring data analysis and statistical thinking skills. This specialization enhances the CV in any field, preparing graduates for job opportunities and postgraduate studies that require analytical skills and problem-solving.”