Charter

The Lebanese American University (LAU) is chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York. The University of the State of New York is the sole entity authorized by the State of New York to incorporate higher education institutions and to authorize them to confer degrees.

In 1950, when LAU was known as Beirut College for Women (BCW), it was granted a provisional charter by the Board of Regents, and a charter status five years later. Since then, the charter was amended several times in response to the institution’s growth.

Institutional Accreditation

The Lebanese American University is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (CIHE—NEASC); NEAC is the oldest regional accrediting association in the United States developing and regularly reviewing standards for educational institutions of all levels.

The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of NEASC, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, accredits 241 colleges and universities in the six-state New England region as well as 11 institutions overseas.

Accreditation status confirms that the university meets the specific standards set by the accrediting agency. More information about the meaning and process of accreditation is found on the NEASC website.

The stages LAU has completed since starting the first rigorous process in fall 2005 have demonstrated the University’s commitment to academic quality. The University received its initial accreditation in 2010 for a period of 5 years, thereafter in April 2015 for a ten-year period as of November 2014.

Program Accreditation

Doctor of Pharmacy

The School of Pharmacy is a full member of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). Currently, the Doctor of Pharmacy program at LAU is the only one outside the United States of America that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). The initial accreditation review took place in 2002 when full accreditation was granted. Hence, Pharm.D. graduates are eligible for licensure as pharmacists in most U.S. states.

Bachelor of Engineering Programs

The following undergraduate engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET): B.E. in Civil Engineering, B.E. in Computer Engineering, B.E. in Electrical Engineering, B.E. in Industrial Engineering, and B.E. in Mechanical Engineering.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The B.S. in Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The B.S. in Nursing at the Alice Ramez Chagoury School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Adnan Kassar School of Business

LAU has earned accreditation for its Adnan Kassar School of Business. Its undergraduate and graduate programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The programs are: B.S. in Business Studies, B.S. in Economics, B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Master of Business Administration (M.B.A) and Executive Master of Business Administration (E.M.B.A).

Bachelor of Architecture

The Bachelor of Architecture degree at LAU is officially recognized by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication, thus allowing graduates to practice in France and the European Union. In addition, the program is in the process of being reviewed for accreditation by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) which accredits all architecture programs in the United States.