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Mission and History

A crossroads for the world’s cultures and a vibrant forum for reasoned argument and spirited debate, AUC is the center of the intellectual, social and cultural life of the Arab world. 
  1. About AUC
  2. Mission and History

About AUC

For over a century, The American University in Cairo has stood as a premier English-language institution of higher education, driven by a commitment to excellence. Rooted in the Middle East and accredited in the United States, our liberal arts curriculum integrates learning experiences that foster intellectual curiosity, critical-thinking, problem-solving and a global outlook. We mold future leaders capable of making a meaningful impact in their communities and on the world.

Enriched by a diverse and vibrant campus community, our University thrives on the exchange of ideas and perspectives. This dynamic and inclusive learning environment prepares students academically and interculturally for the challenges of an interconnected and rapidly evolving world. Students have the opportunity to pursue a range of academic programs on our expansive, architecturally inspiring New Cairo campus, which houses five schools, 12 cross-disciplinary research centers, state-of-the-art labs and classrooms and Egypt’s largest English-language library collection, and immerse themselves in the cultural and political hub of the Arab world on our iconic Tahrir Square campus in the heart of downtown Cairo. Mentored by leading faculty at the forefront of their fields with countless cocurricular experiences, international exchange opportunities and internships, our career-ready students are prepared for the future. Once they graduate, they join an international network of more than 48,000 alumni in leadership positions in every facet of human endeavor — from entrepreneurship and business, development and diplomacy to technology and industry. This is AUC. We’re a community driven by excellence. Every day. 

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Mission

AUC is the premier English-language institution of higher learning. The University is committed to teaching and research of the highest caliber, and offers liberal arts and professional education in a cross-cultural environment. AUC builds a culture of leadership, lifelong learning, continuing education and service among its graduates, and is dedicated to making significant contributions to Egypt and the international community in diverse fields. Chartered and accredited in the United States and Egypt, The American University in Cairo is an independent, not-for-profit, equal-opportunity institution. AUC upholds the principles of academic freedom and is dedicated to excellence. The University is committed to maintaining a safe learning and working environment, free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. 

View of a water fountain and trees and benches on the side

Vision

Our vision is to be a world‐class University internationally recognized for its leadership and excellence in teaching, research, creative expression and service. We build on our existing strengths to become the leading University in the Middle East and the destination of choice for students and faculty members from around the world seeking in‐depth cultural exposure, combined with outstanding academic programs, cutting‐edge research, as well as an ethically engaged, diverse community of scholars.

Excellence
We continually strive to be among the best in all we do: in teaching, research, creative expression, service to our communities and service to each other in our daily interactions.

Diversity
We seek to treat all individuals with dignity and fairness, and to promote understanding and respect for diversity of perspectives, traditions and experiences.

Social Responsibility
We are committed to exploring the challenges that confront Egypt, the region and the world, and to use our intellectual and creative capabilities to address these challenges, serve our communities, and have a positive and sustainable impact on development, business, the environment and society.

Integrity
We believe that individuals are accountable for their actions, and, as members of a community, our individual actions have an impact on others. We are stronger as a community when we reflect on the consequences of our decisions and actions. The University upholds the principles of academic integrity, including fairness, accountability and honesty.

Lifelong Learning
We believe that the pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and personal and professional development should continue throughout one’s lifetime.

  • Quality of Education
  • Internationalization
  • AUC Experience
  • Institutional Effectiveness
  • Innovation

For more about strategic pillars, check out the AUC strategic plan brochure.

Using AUC’s mission statement as a guide, the University developed a set of key institutional learning outcomes for all undergraduate students. These outcomes, which derive from institutional documents approved through the University’s formal governance structure, are achieved through an array of programs, courses, and other learning experiences. These learning outcomes must be communicated widely across campus.

Through their courses of study, AUC graduates should attain proficiency in:

Professional Skills
AUC graduates will synthesize discipline-based knowledge with a broad-based liberal arts education. They will be proficient in the tools of their discipline as well as the tools of research and learning; make decisions that reflect the highest standards of ethical conduct and professional behavior; and understand the importance of life-long learning.

Advanced Communication Skills
AUC graduates will be fluent in English and will be able to write and speak effectively in a variety of settings. AUC graduates will be able to communicate in Arabic, establish rapport in groups, be adaptable to new circumstances, work both independently and in collaboration with others, and function effectively as leaders.

Critical Thinking
AUC graduates will be independent learners, adept at using current technologies to access information and applying strong quantitative, analytical, and critical thinking skills to analyze and synthesize complex information to solve problems.

Cultural Competence
AUC graduates will have an understanding and appreciation of Egyptian and Arab culture and heritage, as well as an understanding of international interdependence, cultural diversity, and consideration for values and traditions that may differ from their own. In addition, AUC graduates will have an aesthetic awareness of the various modes of human artistic expression and will be able to collaborate effectively in a multicultural context.

Effective Citizenship
AUC graduates value service to their local community and to broader causes at the national and international level.

Black and white picture of class

AUC History

The American University in Cairo was founded in 1919 by Americans devoted to education and service in the Middle East. For its first 27 years, the University was shaped by its founding president, Charles R. Watson, who wished to create an English-language University based on high standards of conduct and scholarship, and to contribute to the intellectual growth, discipline and character of the future leaders of Egypt and the region. Throughout its history, AUC has balanced a strong commitment to liberal arts education with a concern for the region's needs for practical applications and professional specializations. Today, AUC emphasizes a liberal arts education, with all undergraduate students studying a common set of courses in the humanities and the natural and social sciences as part of the University's Core Curriculum. In addition, AUC maintains its strong commitment to fostering understanding across world regions, cultures and religions.

Initially, AUC was intended to be both a preparatory school and a University. The preparatory school opened in October 1920 with 142 students in two classes that were equivalent to the last two years of an American high school. The first diplomas issued were junior college-level certificates given to 20 students in 1923.

At first an institution only for males, the University enrolled its first female student in 1928, the same year in which the first class graduated, with two Bachelor of Arts and one Bachelor of Science awarded. Master's degrees were first offered in 1950.

Originally, AUC offered instruction in the arts and sciences, as well as education. In 1921, the School of Oriental Studies was added, followed in 1924 by the Division of Extension. This division was renamed the Division of Public Service, and later the Center for Adult and Continuing Education. AUC's high school division, known as the Lincoln School, was discontinued in 1951.

In 1956, the School of Oriental Studies was incorporated into the Faculty of Arts and Sciences as the Center for Arabic Studies. The English Language Institute was added the same year. After the Faculty of Education was discontinued in 1961 and degree offerings  were dropped from the Division of Public Service, University degree work was consolidated into a single academic structure –– the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Programs in sociology, anthropology, political science and economics were added to the curriculum, and the natural science offerings were significantly expanded.

Two applied research units, the Social Research Center and the Desert Development Center, were established in 1953 and 1979 respectively. Another landmark in the history of the University was the development of professional programs: The engineering, computer science, journalism and mass communication, and management departments began to offer several degree programs at the bachelor's and master's levels.

In 1960, AUC enrolled approximately 400 academic students. By 1969, the University had more than tripled its degree enrollment to more than 1,300 students, 450 of whom were pursuing graduate studies. Since then, academic program enrollment grew to more than 5,000, with an additional 1,000 at the master's degree level.

In 1993, the academic programs offered through the 13 departments were organized into three schools: Humanities and Social Sciences; Sciences and Engineering; and Business, Economics and Communications.  

Adult education expanded simultaneously and now serves approximately 40,000 individuals each year in noncredit courses and contracted training programs offered by the School of Continuing Education (formerly the Center for Adult and Continuing Education).

Through subsequent reorganizations, the University currently has 25 departments and institutes offering bachelor's, master's and graduate diploma programs, in addition to 12 cross-discipline research centers. The University offers more than Loading... , loading... and loading..., all rooted in a liberal arts education that encourages students to think critically and find creative solutions to conflicts and challenges facing both the region and the world.