About AURAK | American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) (original) (raw)
About AURAK
The beautiful Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is not only known for its impressive archaeological heritage, rich cultural history, striking mountains, coastal beaches, and mangroves but also for setting the scene for an outstanding educational environment.
The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is a public, non-profit, independent, coeducation institution of higher education. Its staggering 1.3 million square foot campus delivers integrated American-style undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong focus on the local indigenous culture.
Our strong partnership agreements with leading regional and international organizations enable our students and graduates to gain the necessary work experience, knowledge, and tools to make meaningful contributions as professionals in their field on a global level.
At AURAK, we are committed to sustainable investment and do not invest in fossil fuels. Instead, we concentrate our investment on the local community and environmentally sustainable enterprises. AURAK’s strong commitment to sustainable investment reflects our responsibility to promote environmentally responsible practices and protect our planet’s future.
Home to more than 45 nationalities, AURAK provides the opportunity to learn intercultural competencies, which lay the foundation for living and working in a globally diverse world.
Attending AURAK will give you the academic skills and professional preparation necessary to succeed in your chosen profession. We encourage you to cultivate new friends, attend university events, join clubs and organizations, participate on athletic teams, and attend programs and activities planned appropriately to keep you safe and healthy.
Learning and Teaching Culture
AURAK’s learning and teaching culture is student-focused, with an emphasis on active learning by students. To realize this emphasis on active learning, the university expects all faculty members to demonstrate their use of a variety of high-impact educational practices as described by the Association of American Colleges and Universities. These practices, such as small-group collaborative projects, writing intensive courses, internships, and undergraduate research, are intended to promote deep learning and application of knowledge and skills by AURAK students. Included in this focus on applying what has been learned is the recognition that community service is an important component of the intellectual development of students. Across academic programs, AURAK addresses sustainability by nurturing an appreciation of the shared responsibility of humankind to preserve planet Earth for future generations.
The AURAK learning environment reflects consideration for the dignity of members of the campus community and their rights as persons, including the right to be treated with courtesy and respect. The AURAK learning and teaching culture emphasizes the importance of personal integrity and the freedom of intellectual inquiry and the open exchange of ideas in the pursuit of knowledge and truth. AURAK facilitates, through respectful dialogue, social and multicultural understanding that contributes to the success of all.
Accreditations & Memberships
AURAK is officially licensed by the Ministry of Education of the United Arab Emirates to award degrees/qualifications in higher education. AURAK is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award Bachelor's and master’s degrees.
*Questions about the accreditation of AURAK may be directed in writing to them using the information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
The University has also earned international accreditation from the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), the UK’s quality body for higher education. It has been granted accreditation through the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the Ministry of Education for all degrees offered at the institution.
With a focus on innovation and advancement, AURAK offers a world-class education and research experience with various undergraduate and graduate programs in Business & Management, Engineering, Computer Science, Media & Design, Education, and Biotechnology.
AURAK has achieved multiple program accreditations from prestigious institutions, demonstrating our unwavering dedication to delivering excellence in education. A significant number of our undergraduate engineering programs have received accreditation from the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET), confirming their alignment with rigorous industry standards. Additionally, the Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology program holds accreditation from the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission (ANSAC) of ABET.
Furthermore, our School of Business takes great pride in its affiliation with AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This recognition underscores our commitment to advancing global business education. The school also holds membership in the Business Education Alliance, further solidifying our dedication to fostering excellence in business education.
The BSBA major in Finance is affiliated with the CFA Institute, a prestigious affiliation that underscores the program's alignment with global investment industry standards. Additionally, both the BSBA Major in Accounting and the BSBA Major in Finance have received exemption accreditation from ACCA for the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification. This recognition gives our students a valuable advantage in pursuing their careers in accounting and finance.
In addition, AURAK’S Department of Architecture was granted candidacy status for the Bachelor of Architecture program by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit professional degree programs in architecture offered by institutions with U.S. regional accreditation.
INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITATION
- CAA
The American University of Ras Al Khaimah, located at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah Road, Ras al Khaimah, UAE, PO Box: 10021, is officially Licensed from 1 August 2009 to 15 September 2026 by the Ministry of Education of the United Arab Emirates to operate in the domain of Higher Education.
Visit Website - SACSCOC
AURAK is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Questions about the accreditation of AURAK may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Visit Website - QAA
AURAK has been awarded international accreditation by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), the UK’s quality body for higher education.
Click here to read our latest QAA report and here to view the Action Plan.
Visit Website
SCHOOL / PROGRAM ACCREDITATION
- ABET (ANSAC)
BS in Biotechnology programs is accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission (ANSAC) of ABET - ABET (EAC)
- CFA
The Bachelor of Science in Business (Major in Finance) is affiliated with the CFA Institute.
Visit Website - AACSB member
AURAK is a member of AASCB Business Education Alliance
Visit Website - ABET(CAC)
The BS in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission. - AACSB
AURAK is an accredited member of AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
AACSB accreditation is known, worldwide, as the longest-standing, most recognized form of specialized accreditation that an institution and its business programs can earn. Accreditation is a voluntary, nongovernmental process that includes a rigorous external review of a school's mission, faculty qualifications, curricula, and ability to provide the highest-quality programs.
Visit Website - ACCA
AURAK has been granted exemption accreditation by ACCA for three out of the thirteen courses required for the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification for students who have completed the BSBA Major in Finance.
Visit Website
Research Centers
At AURAK, we are advancing through specialized centers, each dedicated to fostering innovation and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
Our centers of excellence include the AURAK Center for Entrepreneurship (ACE), Advanced Technology and Artificial Intelligence Center (ATAIC), and the RAK Research & Innovation Centre (RAKRIC). These centers are integral to AURAK and are committed to driving cutting-edge research, business incubation, and problem-solving initiatives.
In addition, AURAK’s Center for Executive and Professional Education (CEPE) offers workshops and training which prepare individuals to serve as successful leaders and professionals in their respective fields. The Center works with organizations, government entities, and community residents to provide a wide variety of tailored workshops and training that meets the needs of you and your employees.