High school counselors visit AUS to explore its innovative engineering programs

More than 20 high school counselors from UAE schools explored the many engineering opportunities for students at American University of Sharjah (AUS) during an informational session organized recently by the College of Engineering (CEN). This event took place as part of CEN’s community outreach efforts and its mission to empower the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders in support of the UAE innovative agenda.

With many high school students considering a career in engineering, Explore Engineering offered a firsthand understanding of why AUS is an excellent choice for those who wish to pursue a degree in engineering or computer science, and why AUS engineering graduates were recently rated the top choice by UAE employers, according to QS World University Subject Rankings (2022). 

Welcomed by Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of CEN, the school counselors were introduced to the college’s six departments and its undergraduate and graduate programs. A tour of CEN’s state-of-the-art labs followed. Counselors also learned about the university's vibrant student life and its many scholarship and financial grant opportunities.

“This is the first time CEN holds an open day for school counselors. Explore Engineering provided an excellent chance to examine the wealth of opportunities our programs offer aspiring students in areas of scientific innovation. School counselors visited our advanced labs and witnessed firsthand the projects our students and faculty are working on. The school counselors can now effectively bridge the gap between us and high school students and provide them with all the required information. CEN is a true innovation hub that seeks to attract the most talented of students to nurture them into becoming innovators and leaders in their field,” said Dr. Aloul.  

He added: “We also launched the K-12 School Collaboration Campaign to work with high schools closely on summer and winter camps, student competitions, and many other initiatives. The aim is to make high school students feel closer to the university, help them make the right decision about their engineering studies and ease the transition to university life.” 

Explore Engineering is part of many community outreach initiatives organized by CEN. Earlier this year, CEN set its strategic plan for the academic year with a focus on enhancing the student experience, increasing collaborations and community outreach and developing research and innovation.

“Our participation in Explore Engineering stems from our students’ high interest in engineering. The informational session allowed us to get a better understanding of what the engineering program at AUS has to offer. This makes it easier to match between what our students are looking for and the many opportunities AUS has,” said Khalil Elkhadari, PE Teacher and Behavioral Coach at Al Durrah International School.

Hiam Janoudi, School Counselor at Rawafed Public School, added: “We have many students who are interested in majoring in engineering, not to mention that many of our alumni also go to AUS. Coming to this event is really beneficial. I now know more about what the College of Engineering has to offer. We had the opportunity to get an in-depth briefing about the programs, which allows me to have a better discussion with my students, who sometimes may choose a program based on its title without knowing what it is really about.” 

Ranked by QS World University Subject Rankings (2022) as number one in civil and structural engineering in the UAE, AUS has advanced to be among the top ​150 universities globally. It has also become one of the top 300 world universities in electrical and mechanical engineering and one of the top three in the UAE. AUS also ranked among the top 350 universities globally in chemical engineering and one of the top three in the UAE. 

CEN offers a wide choice of programs, including undergraduate programs in chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, industrial engineering and mechanical engineering. It also offers nine master’s programs and a PhD program in engineering systems management. It boasts state-of-the art facilities and internationally recognized faculty. It has received international recognition for its commitment to providing quality education through its undergraduate and graduate programs.

For more information about the College of Engineering at AUS, please visit www.aus.edu/cen.