Founded in 1997, American University of Sharjah (AUS) has risen as a prominent institution in the educational landscape, committed to delivering a distinctive and comprehensive learning experience to its students. The university is committed to academic quality, creative teaching, and the holistic development of its students and it is widely recognized.
In its stride toward excellence, AUS has appointed Dr. Tod A. Laursen as its Chancellor. Dr. Laursen’s appointment underscores the institution’s unwavering dedication to providing students with exemplary guidance and leadership. With 38 years of experience and a forward-thinking approach to education, Dr. Laursen embodies the principles and values that AUS upholds.
With a background in mechanical engineering, the chancellor has held academic positions spanning three engineering disciplines—mechanical, civil, and biomedical. His career journey includes graduate studies at Stanford University and work as an engineering analyst at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Subsequently, he served as a faculty member at Duke University before assuming the role of founding president of Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi. After eight fruitful years there, he held various leadership roles at the State University of New York (SUNY). As Chancellor of American University of Sharjah, Dr. Tod A. Laursen is spearheading numerous initiatives to fortify AUS’ standing. Under his leadership, AUS aims to usher in an era defined by innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence.
Making an Impact
AUS is renowned for its unwavering commitment to shaping a brighter future for its students. At the institutional level, AUS holds institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the US, ensuring adherence to global educational standards. Additionally, AUS boasts internationally recognized accreditations in specific fields, ensuring competitiveness on a global scale.
Embracing the digital era, AUS is swiftly transforming its academic and administrative processes. The introduction of hands-on, experiential assessments in courses reflects a commitment to leveraging technology in both academic and extracurricular endeavors. In the AUS School of Business Administration, the Interactive Trading Floor (ITF), the first of its kind in the MENA region, provides students and faculty access to real-time financial markets and micro-economic data through 24 Bloomberg terminals. The facility is a state-of-the-art learning space that bridges the gap between theory and practice and equips students for real-world challenges.
Catering to evolving needs and ensuring accessibility, the School of Business Administration has adopted a hybrid learning model in its highly regarded MBA program in a recent collaboration with the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, while preparing to launch fully online programs.
Tailored Course Offerings Aligned with Industry Demands
Dr. Laursen affirms, “AUS graduates are highly sought after in the region and beyond.”
AUS’s approach includes innovative teaching formats, industry partnerships, and internship opportunities. The School of Business Administration collaborates closely with its Advisory Council, comprising industry partners and professionals, to continuously assess program relevance. Additionally, the school’s Career Design Lab conducts annual employer surveys, which inform curriculum updates to meet evolving market demands.
Research Endeavors at a Glance
While quality teaching lays the foundation for academic excellence, research is a catalyst for growth and global recognition.
AUS has established itself as an educational center for graduate degrees, research, and creative endeavors. Faculty members engage in impactful research across diverse domains, addressing pertinent societal issues and shaping the future. The School of Business Administration undertakes significant research spanning sustainable environments, entrepreneurship, financial markets, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, AI business applications, luxury brand management, leadership, family business and more.
Fostering a Culture of Research
The School of Business Administration fosters a culture of excellence, offering grants for faculty and student research presentations at international conferences. The school also organizes research seminars and international conferences and has been expanding its graduate programs with a new Master of Science in Finance, a new Ph.D. program in Business Administration (specialization in Finance) in collaboration with the University of South Carolina, and more programs to be announced soon. The launch of the new Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Sustainable Development underscores AUS’ commitment to research excellence.
Providing Global Exposure and Opportunities
AUS’ diverse campus, comprising over 90 nationalities, fosters a rich learning environment. This diversity has been recognized, with the Times Higher Education World University Rankings naming AUS among the world’s top five universities with the highest percentage of international students in 2023.
The International Exchange Office promotes exchange programs, study tours, and international conferences, facilitating global learning experiences.
Adapting to Emerging Trends and Global Standards
AUS remains at the forefront of education, offering a dynamic learning environment and preparing students for future requirements.
In addition to 17 master’s degrees and 5 Ph.D. programs, the university offers an advanced undergraduate curriculum through 32 majors and 46 minors. These offerings are housed within the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), the College of Architecture, Art, and Design (CAAD), the School of Business Administration (SBA), and the College of Engineering (CEN).
