Program Overview

Overview of University Programs

The American University in Dubai offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, all of which have been formally accredited by regional and global independent bodies. These programs are designed to provide students with recognized degrees in their chosen field of study.

Undergraduate Programs

• Architecture (B.Arch.)
• Biology (B.S.)
• Business Administration (B.B.A.)
• Civil Engineering (B.S.C.E.)
• Communication and Information Studies (B.C.I.S.)
• Computer Engineering (B.S.Comp.E.)
• Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E.)
• Game Design and Development (B.S.)
• International Studies (B.A.I.S.)
• Interior Design (B.F.A.)
• Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.)
• MMU International Progression Path
• Psychology (B.A.)
• Visual Communication (B.F.A.)

Pre-University Programs

• Summer Camp

Graduate Programs

• Artificial Intelligence (M.S.)
• Business Administration (M.B.A.)
• Construction Management (M.S.C.M.)
• Education (M.Ed.)
• Innovation Management (M.S.)
• International Affairs (M.A.)
• Leadership and Innovation in Contemporary Media (M.A.)
• Urban Design and Digital Environments (M.U.D.D.E.)

Professional and Certificate Programs

• Center for Executive Programs and Professional Services (CEPPS)
• The English Bridge Program (Center For English Proficiency)
• Certificate Programs

Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)

The Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) degree at AUD is an accredited five-year program. It is designed to produce highly skilled, employable, and world-class architectural graduates. The program is complemented with extensive accreditation and associations that position it on the global landscape.

Program Mission

The mission of the Bachelor of Architecture program is to prepare highly qualified graduates for employment in the building industry. Students will be critical thinkers and lifelong learners educated in the fundamental skills and knowledge of architecture. They will be able to creatively integrate history and theory, as well as digital, artistic, socio-cultural, technological, environmental, legal, and financial dimensions.

Program Details

The Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) degree is a five-year program consisting of 166 hours of required credit. The course aims to prepare highly qualified graduates for professional employment in the field of architecture by equipping them with the fundamental skills, knowledge, and business acumen required to succeed in a fast-moving industry.

Program Goals

• Prepare critical thinkers who analyze, design, and communicate effectively.
• Prepare students who integrate the human, physical, economic, and environmental dimensions of architectural design using the latest technology.
• Prepare graduates who are technically, ethically, and legally prepared to embrace the profession of architecture.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the B.Arch., students will be able to:

• Communicate effectively in oral, written, graphical, and digital media.
• Analyze, research, and use theoretical precedent and digital technology to inform architectural design.
• Produce design that acknowledges and integrates the human, sociocultural, and economic aspects at the local, regional, and global levels.
• Produce design that integrates the physical context, including environmental issues.
• Produce design that integrates accessibility, life safety, structural systems, and building envelope systems and assemblies.
• Demonstrate an understanding of administrative, financial, legal, and ethical aspects pertaining to architectural practice.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Architecture program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) of the United States. NAAB is the only organization authorized to accredit professional degree programs in architecture in the United States.

Facilities

The Department of Architecture maintains several well-equipped and advanced computer labs and lounges. Hardware is updated or upgraded on an annual basis and can accommodate all architecturally-led software, including 2D graphics, 3D modeling, and rendering, 4D animations, and walkthroughs.

Admissions Entry

Admissions requirements to Undergraduate Programs and specific requirements for the Bachelor of Architecture are available on the AUD Undergraduate Admissions page.

Faculty

The faculty includes:

• Dean of the School of Architecture, Art, and Design and Professor of Architecture: Nabyl Chenaf
• Chair of the Department of Architecture and Professor of Architecture: Anna Cornaro
• Director of the Center for Research, Innovation, and Design (CRID) and Professor of Architecture: Georges Kachaamy
• Professor of Architecture: Alex Albani
• Director of the Middle East Cities Center (MECC) and Associate Professor of Architecture: Abdellatif Qamhaieh
• Associate Professor of Architecture: José A. Carrillo
• Associate Professor of Architecture: Abubakr Hussein Merghani Abdalla
• Outreach Coordinator – Architecture and Assistant Professor of Architecture: Hadeel El Naggar
• Master of Urban Design and Digital Environments (MUDDE) Graduate Program Director and Assistant Professor of Architecture: Maryam Shafiei
• Assistant Professor of Architecture: Mattia Gambardella
• Assistant Professor of Architecture: Nicolas Turchi

Staff

The staff includes:

• Administrative Assistant, School of Architecture, Art, and Design: Leila Darwiche
• Administrative Assistant – Architecture Department and Center for Research, Innovation, and Design: Mary Charmaine Lampago
• Senior IT Support Specialist: Fakruddin Ali Ahmed
• Senior Academic IT Services Specialist: Nikhil Rao

Related Programs

• Undergraduate: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design (B.F.A)
• Undergraduate: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication (B.F.A.)
• Graduate: Master of Urban Design and Digital Environments (MUDDE)
• Certificate: Autodesk Certifications
• Minor: Minor in Architecture
• Minor: Minor in Interior Design
• Minor: Minor in Visual Communication

Scholarships

AUD is committed to supporting academic excellence and student success through a range of merit-based and need-based scholarships. Eligible B.Arch. students may apply for several opportunities that reward strong academic performance, dedication, and financial need. These scholarships are open to students from all nationalities and backgrounds. Terms, conditions, and application deadlines apply.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarship for Undergraduate Study

• Background and Objective: The scholarship was created to reward academic excellence and respond to financial need.
• Eligibility: High school applicants should have at least a 90% grade average (or equivalent). Financial need as demonstrated by insufficiency to fund educational expenses will also be considered. Open to all nationalities and undergraduate programs.
• Coverage/Renewal: The scholarship entitles the recipient to a partial/full tuition waiver subject to the approval of the Scholarship Committee. The scholarship is granted for the first academic year and maintained until graduation provided that eligibility conditions are satisfied. Terms and Conditions apply.

AUD School Partnership Initiative (ASPI)

• The AUD School Partnership Initiative entitles admitted students, who are currently graduating from any of the AUD school partners, to partial tuition waivers up to 100%, based on the final grade 12 average.

AUD Senior Scholarship

• Scholarships may cover either 25%, 50%, or 100% of tuition not to exceed 32 CH (one academic year). Books, fees, housing, etc. are not covered.
• Eligibility Criteria: Students must have achieved “senior status” (i.e., completed all but 30-32 credit hours) in their degree program, have a minimum CGPA of 3.5, and not have committed any Conduct Code violations.
• Application Process: Applicants must fill out the scholarship application and upload the required documents. The application will be available from May 8 to May 20 of each academic year. Documents to upload include a senior scholarship request letter, letters of recommendation from faculty, an AUD transcript (unofficial), and a statement of need. Students will be notified by email on the status of their application.