American University of Science and Technology (AUST)
The American University of Science and Technology (AUST) is a premier private, non-sectarian, and co-educational institution of higher learning located in Lebanon. Dedicated to a "Commitment to Excellence," AUST provides a diverse academic environment that blends American educational standards with a multicultural perspective, fostering trilingualism in English, French, and Arabic.
Founded in 1989, the university has evolved from a specialized degree program into a comprehensive university with multiple campuses, serving thousands of undergraduate and graduate students across various disciplines.
Key Facts
- Established: 1989 in Beirut, Lebanon.
- Type: Private, non-sectarian, and co-educational.
- Campuses: Beirut (Main), Bhamdoun, Sidon, and Zahlé.
- Student Population: Approximately 5,522 students (5,098 undergraduate and 414 graduate).
- Accreditations: ABET (Engineering and Computer Science) and ACBSP (Business).
- Institutional Accreditation: Evalag (Evaluation Agency of Baden-Württemberg).
History and Evolution
AUST began its journey in 1989 as the American Universal College, established by Dr. Hiam Sakr via Decree No. 4897. Initially, it operated as an External Degree Program of the State University of New York's Empire State College. The institution underwent several transitions to expand its autonomy and scope:
- 1994: The name was changed to the American University of Science and Technology.
- 2000: It became a licensed private institution of higher learning under Lebanese Presidential Decree No. 3585.
- 2007: It was officially licensed as a university by Lebanese Governmental Decree No. 677.
Boutros Harb serves as the elected head of the board of directors, while the university is led by President Hiam Sakr and Provost Nabil Haidar.
Campus and Facilities
AUST operates four urban campuses to ensure accessibility for students across Lebanon:
- Beirut: The main campus located in the Ashrafieh area.
- Zahlé: Located on Mouallaka Avenue in the Bekaa region.
- Sidon: Situated at the northern entrance on Nazih Bizri Boulevard.
- Bhamdoun: Located in Mount Lebanon.
The Beirut campus is also a site of cultural significance, featuring the "Garden of Genius." On October 11, 2010, the university unveiled a statue of the poet Said Akl, alongside statues of Charles Malik and Ghassan Tueni, celebrating Lebanese intellectual heritage.
Academic Structure and Faculties
AUST offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across several specialized faculties:
Faculty of Engineering
Focused on technical excellence, this faculty offers degrees in Biomedical Engineering, Computer & Communications Engineering, and Mechatronics Engineering. Its programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Faculty of Business and Economics
This faculty provides Bachelor's degrees in fields such as Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Hospitality Management. It also offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with various concentrations. Its business programs are accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (ACBSP).
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Comprising seven academic departments, this faculty focuses on creative and scientific disciplines, including Graphic Design, Interior Design, and Fashion Design.
Faculty of Health Sciences
To advance biotechnology in the Middle East, AUST established the Department of Laboratory Science and Technology, offering tracks in Clinical Laboratory Science and Optics and Optometry.
Global Affiliations and Accreditation
AUST maintains over 33 international affiliations, allowing for credit transfers and standardized technical training. In 2018, it received institutional accreditation from Evalag, a member of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education.
| Region | Notable Partner Institutions |
|---|---|
| North America | University of California (Berkeley), Villanova University, Ohio University, Concordia University (Canada) |
| Europe | Université Catholique de Lille, Politecnico di Milano, University of Coimbra, Bremen University of Applied Sciences |
| Asia | Lebanese University, The Hashemite University (Jordan), South China University of Technology |
| Africa | University of Algiers, Assiut University (Egypt), Tanta University (Egypt) |
Student Life and Community
Beyond academics, AUST encourages a vibrant campus culture. The AUST MidWeek student newspaper keeps the community informed, while the sports activities office promotes teamwork and socialization.
Students can join various clubs, including the Environmental, First Aid, Music, Photography, Drama, and Chess clubs, all overseen by the Student Life council.
Distinguished Recognition
AUST frequently honors individuals who have made significant societal contributions with honorary doctorates (ad honorem). Notable recipients include former Lebanese President Amine Gemayel, former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, and journalist Ghassan Tueni.
The university also boasts notable alumni, such as the late American journalist Serena Shim and entertainer Layal Abboud.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the admission deadlines for AUST?
Applications must be submitted by the end of September for the Fall semester, the end of January for the Spring semester, and the end of June for the Summer session.
Is AUST a sectarian institution?
No, AUST is a private, non-sectarian, and co-educational university.
What languages are used for instruction at AUST?
The university promotes trilingualism and offers instruction in both English and French.
Which engineering programs are ABET accredited?
The Engineering and Computer Science programs within the Faculty of Science received ABET accreditation on September 7, 2016.
Where are AUST's campuses located?
AUST has four campuses located in Beirut, Bhamdoun, Sidon, and Zahlé.