College of Engineering

The engineering program at American University of Sharjah is an innovative program that embodies the ideas of the university's founder, Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohamed Al Qassimi who has stated:

"At present, we witness changes in the pattern of education all over the world at a faster pace. This is, as all of us know, caused by the revolutionary changes in the field of science and technology and advancement in telecommunication systems and information technology. No country can live in a state of isolation, and it has to learn to adjust to the social, cultural and economic needs."

In response to this call by its founder, the engineering school blends the best North American educational practices with the methods used by the finest institutions in Europe and the Middle East. AUS faculty members have designed the engineering program to meet the needs of the region's future; the programs also satisfy the requirements currently in force in the United States. All undegraduate degree programs in the College of Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET of the United States.

AUS engineering students acquire technical knowledge and develop engineering skills; moreover, the program helps to transform a secondary school graduate into a mature and discerning professional. English fluency is a necessary condition for success in a global economy. Therefore, to help develop fluency, all instruction is conducted in English.

The United Arab Emirates is located on the crossroads between East and West. Therefore, many, perhaps most, graduates will work in an international environment. Global awareness and cultural sensitivity are therefore also important characteristics of the AUS graduate.

The engineering program emphasizes learning the effective use of technology, information resources, engineering tools, and reasoning. The program also aims to instill leadership qualities that are anchored in moral and ethical principles. In short, the program's aim is to help the student develop as a professional who can reach his or her full potential.

We believe that the most important characteristics of the AUS engineering graduate include:

• Communication skills, both written and oral
• Mastery of technology, coupled with discerning judgment
• Leadership qualities, management and team skills
• Analysis, synthesis and design skills
• Ability to work in an international and multicultural setting
• Excellent judgment and a strong ethical foundation

How does an AUS engineering education differ from that of other institutions in the region? Here are a few differences:

• Emphasis on hands-on laboratory work
• Project, "studio," and group-based active learning
• Outstanding commercial grade laboratory equipment
• Close supervision and interaction with professional engineering faculty
• Preparation for global practice through development of cultural and communication skills.

Many students view engineering as a science. During their years in school, they begin to realize that while engineering is based on the sciences and math, these are not the most critical components of an engineering education. Instead, the most important skill that students develop is the exercise of systematic and logical thinking, coupled with a focus on goals, concern for quality, reliability and safety.

The engineering degree prepares for many options beyond the practice of engineering. A significant number of officers of major corporations are engineers. They have advanced into top management positions because the skills that engineers develop through their rigorous course of study are equally useful for leadership assignments.

This gives a thumbnail sketch of the AUS programs and their characteristics. Each engineering discipline is discussed very briefly. However, words and pictures can only suggest what we are like. To see for yourself, please pay us a visit.

Degrees offered

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in

Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

All engineering programs have a common freshman year. Students may change their selected major after completing the freshman year.

• Graduate programs

Master of Science in Engineering Systems Management (MSESM)
Master of Science in Mechatronics Engineering (MSMTR)

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