By Ann M. Koenig, AACRAO International Education Services
The Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education, known as NOKUT, has shared the news that a revision has been made to the regulations governing “master” degrees and academic titles in Norway. The revision, effective December 19, 2015, is as follows:
- “Sivilingeniør”: Accredited Norwegian higher education institutions (HEIs) that award five-year Norwegian “master” degrees in technological fields may add the legal title “Sivilingeniør” to the final degree diploma.
- “Siviløkonom”: Accredited Norwegian HEIs that award five-year Norwegian “master” degrees in economics and business administration may add the legal title “Siviløkonom” to the final degree diploma.
The titles “sivilingeniør” and “siviløkonom” are protected by law in Norway. According to this revision of the regulations that govern them, they can only be used legally if they have been achieved through the Norwegian educational system and awarded by a Norwegian HEI.
Previously, individuals who had degrees from outside of Norway could apply to have their credentials evaluated for use of the title “siviløkonom” by ECONA, a Norwegian trade union for holders of master’s degree in economics and business. However under the new regulation, holders of a non-Norwegian credential must apply to have their education recognized by an accredited Norwegian HEI that offers five-year “master” degrees in economics and business administration. If the HEI evaluates the foreign credential as comparable to an appropriate Norwegian degree that it offers, the title of “siviløkonom” can be given.
NOKUT is an excellent resource for information on education in Norway. Its “Publications” page includes links to several reports that are of interest to international education specialists and foreign credential evaluators in the United States.