Mahmoud Farag received a BSc degree in mechanical engineering from Cairo University (1959) and a M.Met. (1962) and PhD (1965) from Sheffield University, UK. He was assistant professor (1965-1971) at Ain Shams University, he joined The American University in Cairo in 1971 as associate professor (1971-1975), and became full professor in 1975. Farag was appointed as the first chair of the Engineering Department when it was first created in 1984 and served as vice provost from 1992 to 2005. He is currently director of engineering and science services unit, which was established with the objectives of serving and developing the industrial communities in Egypt and the Middle East. 

Farag's area of academic interest is in engineering materials and manufacturing and has published five engineering textbooks, edited one book, and written several engineering book-chapters. He has also authored and co-authored more than 100 papers in academic journals and conference proceedings on issues related to the effect of microstructure on the behavior of engineering materials. His current research interests include studying the behavior of nano-structured materials, with emphasis on NiTi alloys, natural fiber reinforced biodegradable composites, and using quantitative methods in selecting materials for engineering applications. In addition to his academic work, Farag has a wide industrial experience and was a member of the board of directors, El-Nasr Company for Refractories and ceramics "SORNAGA" from 1992 to 1999.

Farag has more than 45 years of teaching experience and has taught a variety of materials courses on different levels ranging from introductory overview to sophomore/junior students to advanced topics to masters’ degree students. He also taught manufacturing courses with heavy emphasis on how processing affects the properties of materials.

Farag was visiting scientist/scholar at the University of Sheffield (UK), MIT and University of Kentucky-Lexington (USA), Aachen Technical University (Germany), and Joint Research Center, Commission of the European Communities (Ispra , Italy ). He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (USA), the Materials Information Society, ASM International (USA), the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (UK), and the Egyptian Society for Engineers. He is listed in Marquise Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in Science and Engineering, and Who's Who in Finance and Industry. Farag is a recipient of the Egyptian State Award for promotion of Science and the First Order of Merit in Arts and Sciences.