Civil Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the American University of Beirut is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in the diverse field of civil engineering. This program emphasizes the development of technical expertise in designing, analyzing, and constructing infrastructure projects that serve society's needs, including buildings, transportation systems, water supply, and environmental facilities. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework with hands-on laboratory experience, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and innovative design practices. Students will engage in coursework covering core civil engineering disciplines such as structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, transportation engineering, and construction management. The program encourages interdisciplinary learning, integrating principles from mathematics, physics, and computer science to prepare graduates for complex engineering challenges. Emphasis is placed on sustainability and ethical practices, ensuring that future civil engineers contribute responsibly to community development and environmental stewardship. The program also offers opportunities for research, internships, and industry collaborations, enabling students to gain real-world experience and establish professional networks. Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue careers in consulting firms, construction companies, government agencies, and research institutions or to continue their education through graduate studies. The American University of Beirut’s civil engineering program is committed to excellence in education, fostering innovation and leadership among its students to meet the evolving demands of civil engineering in the modern world.

Curriculum 

• Introduction to Engineering & Architecture
• Statics
• Calculus and Analytical Geometry III
• Chemistry Elective
• Introductory Chemical Techniques
• Arabic Elective
• Engineering Drawings and Tools
• Mechanics of Materials
• Differential Equations
• Introductory Physics II
• Introductory Physics Laboratory II
• Humanities Elective I
• Surveying
• Introduction to Probability and Random Variables
• Humanities Elective II
• and more

Students completing 12 years of schooling and doing one of the following programs: High School Program, SAT program, AP program, IGCSE (O Levels), IB Certificate or any other school leaving certificate (other than Lebanese Baccalaureate) can apply to the freshman program at AUB.

The freshman program is a majorless year (2 regular semesters) whereby the student can take different courses and follow either a scientific track or a track in humanities. Once the student completes the freshman year, he/she gets to enroll in a specific major at the sophomore level based on his/her average or GPA.

To apply for regular admissions, the student needs to submit an undergraduate application along with the following documents:

a. SAT1 results
b. High school records during grades 10 and 11
c. Counselor/Teacher recommendation(s)/Extracurricular Activities/Other Achievements

Once the student is admitted, he/she will be required to present evidence of having successfully completed Grade 12 and show a level of proficiency in the English language by obtaining a minimum score of 573 on the paper based TOEFL OR 230 on the Computer Based TOEFL (OR 88 on Internet Based TOEFL), OR 500 on the University English Entrance Examination (EEE) OR 380 and above on the writing section of the OLD SATI (Jan 2016 or Earlier) OR 5.5 on IELTS (for IELTS we also requires an additional English Placement test to be done at AUB).   

AUB’s Office of Financial Aid has devised several types of need-based assistance programs. These include grants based on the financial status of the student’s family, student loans at low interest rates and favorable repayment options, academic merit scholarships, work study programs that allow students to finance their education while acquiring professional skills at various offices in the University, and assistantships for graduate students.

The AUB scholarship program ensures that students who meet the University's academic standards will have the opportunity to receive an AUB education.

AUB has always been committed to educating students from different nationalities, religions, races, and political persuasions. We are working hard to make sure that economic background is not a factor in the admission process. The University's liberal arts curricular and educational philosophy rests on the principles of intellectual freedom, scientific reasoning, and exposure to a wide range of ideas. AUB encourages concentration in a field of study and seeks to cultivate morally conscious citizens.

The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the American University of Beirut (AUB) is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with the fundamental knowledge and practical skills necessary to address the challenges of modern infrastructure development. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and hands-on experience, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for careers in construction, design, research, and management within the civil engineering sector. Students engage in coursework covering areas such as structural analysis and design, geotechnical engineering, transportation systems, environmental engineering, water resources management, and construction management. The program incorporates modern computational tools and software, fostering proficiency in design modeling and analysis. Additionally, AUB encourages students to participate in research projects, internships, and collaborative industry partnerships to enhance their practical understanding and networking opportunities. The faculty comprises experienced professionals and scholars committed to high-quality teaching and research, supporting students throughout their academic journey. Graduates of the Civil Engineering program at AUB are well-positioned to pursue licensure, advanced studies, or employment in diverse fields related to infrastructure development, urban planning, and environmental sustainability. The university’s emphasis on liberal arts education alongside technical training ensures that students develop critical thinking, ethical responsibility, and communication skills vital for leadership roles in civil engineering. Furthermore, the program aligns with regional development needs and regional infrastructure projects, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to Lebanon, the Middle East, and beyond.