Computer Science

The department of Computer Science prepares students for advanced study and professional careers in the dynamically changing world of computing and information technology.

Computer Science is the science of using computers to solve problems. It is about data, programs, computers and people. Computer Science is a young discipline that is very rich in challenges and applications due to its applicability in almost all disciplines such as medicine, engineering, natural sciences, media, arts and entertainment.

Upon graduation, students are equipped with the knowledge to work in many domains of computer science , including: game development, application development, software architecture, software engineering, or consultants in software companies or institutions with IT departments such as universities and banks. Many of our graduates open their own startups. Others pursue their graduate studies in AUB or abroad.

Computer Science is much more than just programming. Programming is merely the process of developing and implementing various sets of instructions to enable a computer to do a certain task. The more important aspect of computer science is problem solving, an essential skill for life. Computer Science courses are divided into theoretical as well as practical courses, both of which aim at enriching the students’ problem solving and analytical skills, allowing them to work with contemporary technologies and analyze/decipher future ones.

In their first year, students get introduced to programming in Java, a high level object oriented language that is widely used in development. Students also take fundamental Math courses that include calculus and discrete math.

In their second year, students get exposed to more programming paradigms and languages such as C, C++, C#, Prolog, and Python. They also cover core computer science courses, such as Data Structures, Computer Architecture, Software Engineering, and Database Systems. Students also have the option to take electives in, Web Development, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Networks, Computer Graphics, and Parallel Computing.

In their third year, students cover advanced courses such as Operating Systems and Theory of Computation. They also take a capstone course that aims to enhance their skills with practical experience giving them the opportunity to integrate knowledge accumulated in different courses to deliver a complete efficient software product.

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.