As early as 1913 the University recognized the need for engineering education and training in the Middle East, and courses in this field were offered in the School of Arts and Sciences. By 1944, sufficient additional courses had been added to permit the granting of the degree of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. The last class in this program graduated in June 1954. In 1951, a separate School of Engineering was established and curricula were initiated in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and architectural engineering. The years from 1951 to 1954 were a transitional period of continuous development toward the new curricula, established in 1954. In 1963, a program leading to the degree of Bachelor of Architecture was introduced, replacing the bachelor of architectural engineering program, the last class of which graduated in June 1966. In that year, the school was renamed the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture. In 1986, a new undergraduate major in computer and communications engineering was added within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the objectives of the Faculty of Engineering & Architecture underwent a major change to emphasize humanities, social sciences, and arts courses as an essential part of engineering education for the engineer to be better prepared to cope with the problems of the real world. In 1992, a new major in graphic design was added within the Department of Architecture and Design.

The mission and objectives of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture has had several revisions, with the most recent one in 1998 when a Total Quality Management Committee started the process of evaluating engineering programs in the light of ABET Criteria 2000. The new mission adopted in 1998 and revised in February 2006 states the following:

“The Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (FEA) at the American University of Beirut is a leading professional school in the Middle East. The FEA offers educational programs of the highest standards, promotes research and creative scholarly activities of its faculty and students, and provides services to the community at large, while addressing the needs of Lebanon and the region. The FEA undergoes continuous improvement to maintain a challenging and intellectually stimulating environment, and prepares its students to be life-long learners, innovators, and professionals capable of being leaders in their chosen careers, committed to personal integrity and civic responsibility.”

The Mechanical Engineering faculty has agreed that the undergraduate program mission is:
The undergraduate program in mechanical engineering seeks to empower students to pursue successful careers, and to create a learning environment in which they can develop their creative and critical thinking, their ability to grow into life-long learners in the light of ever-increasing challenges of modern technology, and their commitment to the ethical and professional responsibilities required in their calling at the global level while focusing on the needs of Lebanon and the region.
Approved June 6, 1998 and revised in October 19, 2000.

ME Past Chairpersons

Number of BE Graduates of the Mechanical Engineering Program

Master Degree Graduate of the Mechanical Engineering Program