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American University of Beirut

A Legacy of Learning and Leadership, fostering intellectual curiosity and global engagement since 1866.

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A Storied History

Founding and Early Years

Established on April 24, 1863, by a charter from the State of New York, the Syrian Protestant College (SPC) opened its doors in Beirut on December 3, 1866, with an initial class of 16 students. Dr. Daniel Bliss served as its first president. Initially utilizing Arabic as the language of instruction, the college transitioned to English in 1887. It was officially renamed the American University of Beirut (AUB) in 1920, reflecting its growing stature and broader mission.[9]

Global Impact and Alumni

AUB's influence extends far beyond Lebanon. Notably, 20 AUB alumni were delegates at the 1945 United Nations Charter signing, more than from any other university globally. Its graduates are leaders in diverse fields worldwide, contributing significantly to governance, academia, business, and humanitarian efforts.

Resilience Through Adversity

The university demonstrated remarkable resilience during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990). Despite significant challenges, including the kidnapping of several staff members and the tragic murder of President Malcolm H. Kerr in 1984, AUB maintained academic continuity through agreements with international institutions.

Campus and Reach

Beirut Campus

The main campus in Ras Beirut spans 61 acres, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. It comprises 64 buildings, including seven dormitories, extensive libraries, museums, and the renowned American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC).

Research and Extension

Beyond the urban campus, AUB maintains a 247-acre research farm and educational complex in the Beqaa Valley, managed by the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. In 2024, AUB expanded its global footprint by inaugurating AUB Mediterraneo in Paphos, Cyprus, its first overseas campus.

Academic Faculties

Agricultural and Food Sciences

The Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (FAFS) focuses on sustainable agriculture, food security, and public health.

Arts and Sciences

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) offers a broad spectrum of disciplines in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Health Sciences

The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) is dedicated to advancing public health through education, research, and community engagement.

Medicine

The Faculty of Medicine (FM) is renowned for its clinical practice, medical education, and research, integrated with the AUB Medical Center.

Nursing

The Rafic Hariri School of Nursing (HSON) is recognized internationally for its high standards in nursing education and practice.

Engineering and Architecture

The Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (MSFEA) provides comprehensive programs in engineering disciplines and architectural design.

Business

The Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) offers accredited business programs focused on leadership and innovation.

Student Body Profile

Enrollment Statistics

In Fall 2018, AUB enrolled over 9,000 students, comprising 7,180 undergraduates and 1,922 graduate students, representing a diverse and international academic community.

International Representation

Approximately one-fifth of AUB students previously attended secondary school or university outside Lebanon, contributing to a rich multicultural environment. Alumni are found in over 120 countries, underscoring the university's global reach.

Academic Excellence

Programs and Research

AUB offers 141 undergraduate and graduate programs, alongside numerous certificates and diplomas. The university has revitalized its PhD programs and hosts dozens of research centers and institutes dedicated to advancing knowledge across various fields.

Global Recognition

The QS World University Rankings 2026 place AUB at 237th globally and 6th within the Arab world, reflecting its consistent standing among leading international institutions.

AUB Medical Center (AUBMC)

Comprehensive Care and Training

AUBMC is a leading tertiary/quaternary care center, accredited by the Joint Commission International. It operates a 420-bed hospital and provides extensive medical training, serving as a vital healthcare resource for the region, including support for Syrian refugees.

International Accolades

The Rafic Hariri School of Nursing at AUBMC was the first outside the US to join the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). AUBMC itself received Magnet Recognition, a prestigious award for nursing excellence, making it the first in the Middle East to achieve this distinction.

AUB Press

Publishing the Middle East

American University of Beirut Press (AUB Press) specializes in scholarly works focusing on Lebanon and the broader Middle East. Established in its current form in 2001, it continues a long tradition of academic publishing originating from the university.

Cultural and Scientific Collections

Archaeological Museum

The third oldest museum in the Near East, AUB's Archaeological Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, including pottery, tools, sculptures, and coins, spanning millennia of regional history.

Geology and Natural History

The Geology Museum features global rock, mineral, and fossil specimens, while the Natural History Museum preserves a significant collection representing regional biodiversity, notably the Post Herbarium with over 63,000 specimens.

Archives and Special Collections

The Archives and Special Collections hold vital documents related to AUB's history, regional materials, the Beirut Codex (a 9th/10th-century Syriac New Testament), and extensive photographic collections.

Extensive Library Resources

Key Libraries

AUB's library system includes the Nami Jafet Memorial Library, Engineering and Architecture Library, Saab Medical Library, and the Science and Agriculture Library, providing comprehensive resources for research and study.

Collection Size

The University Libraries maintain a vast collection of over 412,000 print titles and provide access to more than 1 million electronic titles, alongside numerous databases and archival materials.

Student Voice: Outlook Newspaper

Independent Student Journalism

Established in 1949 and officially recognized in 1957, the *AUB Outlook* is an independent student newspaper committed to unbiased reporting across political, sectarian, religious, and ethnic lines. It is managed by an annually appointed editorial board.

Accreditation and Standards

Institutional Accreditation

AUB holds institutional accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, reaffirmed multiple times since its initial granting in 2004.

Program Recognition

Key programs, including Public Health (CEPH), Nursing (CCNE), Business (AACSB), and Engineering (ABET), have received international accreditation, affirming the high quality of education and professional standards maintained by the university.

Distinguished Alumni

Notable Figures

AUB boasts a vibrant alumni network of over 64,000 individuals globally. Notable alumni include Angela Jurdak Khoury, Lebanon's first female diplomat, and numerous leaders in arts, sciences, and public service.

Shaping the World

Alumni achievements span diverse fields: Reem Acra (Fashion Design), Zaha Hadid (Architecture, Mathematics), Rula Ghani (Former First Lady of Afghanistan), Ghada El Samman (Writer), Karimeh Abbud (Pioneering Photographer), and Amal Mudallali (Lebanon's UN Ambassador), among many others.

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References

References

  1.  Dodge, Bayard (1958) The American University of Beirut รขย€ย“ A brief history. Khayat's Beirut. p. 10
  2.  Middle East International No 413, 22 November 1991, Publishers Lord Mayhew, Dennis Walters MP; Michael Jansen p. 9
A full list of references for this article are available at the American University of Beirut Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

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