The Relationship between Higher Education Programs and the Development Needs of Society

The purpose of this study was to investigate and assess the relationship between higher education programs and societal development needs in Saudi Arabia. The study showed a strong relationship between higher education programs and society's development needs, but these programs in Saudi Arabia still confront some obstacles despite the increasing concern given to these programs by higher authorities. Based on the findings of this study, the researcher strongly recommends a comprehensive restructuring of educational programs that include curriculum. teaching methods, and administration in order to reproduce positive behavior that would enable the fulfillment of societal and developmental needs. The researcher also recommends establishing a higher education counsel to coordinate among Saudi universities and evaluate job market’s needs. This is a very important task to maintain the balance between supply and demand in higher education graduates