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, it was granted a provisional charter by the NY Board of Regents, and an absolute charter five years later. Since then, the charter was amended several times in response to the institution’s growth.

Institutional Accreditation

LAU is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education, Inc. (NECHE). NECHE is the regional accrediting association in the United States developing and regularly reviewing standards for educational institutions of all levels. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, NECHE 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 NECHE website.

LAU was granted initial accreditation for a five-year period following a site visit in November 2009. In 2014, LAU underwent a comprehensive evaluation and was re-accredited for a ten-year period. The stages LAU has completed since starting the first rigorous process in fall 2005 have demonstrated the university’s commitment to academic quality.

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 and provinces.

Bachelor of Engineering Programs

The Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

The Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

The Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

The Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

The Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The Bachelor of Sscience 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 Bachelor of Science 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 accredited 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 & Communication, thus allowing our graduates to practice in France and the European Union. In addition, the Bachelor of Architecture program is in the process of being reviewed for accreditation by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) that accredits all architecture programs in the United States.