Comparison of Undergraduate Programs in the American Universities of Cairo, Beirut, and Sharjah - Assignment Example

Table of Contents 1.0………… Executive Summary 2.0………… Introduction 3.0………… Findings 3.01………… American University of Sharjah 3.011………… Qualifications and Cost 3.012………… Marketability and Accreditation 3.02………… American University of Beirut 3.021………… Qualifications and Cost 3.022………… Marketability and Accreditation 3.03………… American University in Cairo 2.031………… Qualifications and Cost 2.032………… Marketability and Accreditation 4.0………… Conclusion and Recommendation 5.0………… Appendix 5.01………… Works Cited 1.0 Executive Summary This report examines a specific undergraduate program offered at the American University in Cairo, the American University of Beirut and the American University of Sharjah, and then makes comparisons based on a number of factors. These factors include the total cost, marketability, faculty qualifications and accreditation, and they will be employed in the determination and recommendation of the best university (among the three) to study for that particular undergraduate program. In this report, the program selected for review is the Bachelor of Business Administration (with majors in finance, marketing, management, accounting, management information systems and economics) that is offered at the three universities. 2.0 Introduction The American University of Beirut, the American University of Sharjah and the American University of Cairo are three of the best private universities in the Arab world (Kenworthy 28). They are all licensed by and recognized by the American government as institutions providing education based on the American system of learning. Of the three, the American University in Beirut is the oldest, having been founded in 1866; the other two were established in 1997 and 1919 respectively. In this paper, I will review the Bachelor of Business Administration program offered at the three institutions of higher learning and then make recommendations as to the best place to study for it. 3.0. Findings 3.01. American University of Sharjah (AUS) 3.011. Qualifications and Cost Admission requirements for the BBA program at the American University of Sharjah correspond to all other programs. In all the programs, in case of non-vocational certificates, only courses categorized as academic by the university are considered for admission and the determination of averages. The minimum requirements include the following: School average or secondary education certificate Applicable SAT scores (as applicable) number of qualified applicants number of available places On top of this, successful applicants must have a minimum average of 80 percent and above in the final exams of secondary school or 80 percent and above in one’s best 2 out of the last 3 academic years (Kenworthy 37). All students must also take the TOEFL exam and achieve a minimum score of 530 for “ITP” and 71 for “IBT”. Students who fail to attain the above TOEFL scores but fulfill admission requirements have the opportunity to Bridge Program. When it comes to cost, tuition fees (per semester) for all majors (2011-2012 academic year, 12 to 16 credits) is AED 38, 420 (10,460 US Dollars per semester or 20,920 per year). In addition to this, there are other costs like: Lab Fee (Type A) - 610 AEDs per course (166 US Dollars) Lab Fee (Type B) - 840 AEDs per course (228 US Dollars) Textbook Fee- 900 AEDs per semester (245 US Dollars) Activities Fee- 200 AEDs per semester (54 US Dollars) Health Insurance- 300/600 AEDs per semester (81/162 US Dollars) Students in the School of Business and Management are also required to purchase specific laptops for use during the orientation week. 3.012. Marketability and Accreditation The BBA program at AUS is considered one of the best in the Middle East, and therefore students who graduate with that degree stand a very good chance of securing employment less than a year after their graduation (Kenworthy 53). Both the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, the MBA and the executive MBA are accredited by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). 3.0 American University of Beirut (AUB) 3.01. Qualifications and Cost For one to qualify for admission to AUB for the BBA program, one has to submit an application which includes the following: SAT1 results (math and reading), grade 10 and 11 high school records. Applicants have to obtain 50 % in both scores; the higher scores the better the chances of admission (Kenworthy 62). Once admission is confirmed, there is need to provide evidence of successful completion of Grade 12 and achieve a minimum score of 573 in “ITP’ and 88 in “IBT”. The tuition per year (2011-2012) for the BBA is 19181(US Dollars). There are additional costs which include the following: Activity Fee- 33 US Dollars NSSF (Medical Branch) – 100 US Dollars Late Registration- 100 US Dollars Internet Fee- 200 US Dollars Hospital Insurance Fee- 295 US Dollars General Deposit- 200 US Dollars 3.02. Marketability and Accreditation As one of the premier institutions of higher learning in the Middle East, coupled with its long history and prestige, AUB guarantees quality education and certification in all programs. This makes its BBA highly desired and marketable. The BBA program at AUB is also accredited by the AACSB. 4.0. American University in Cairo 4.01. Qualifications and Cost Applicants must have completed the following levels in order to be considered for admission: Thanawiya Amma (Science, Math or Arts): Completion at the first attempt when concluding the 11th year. GCE/GSCE/IGSCE: Completion of at least 8 subjects (if at the advanced level one stands a better chance). International Baccalaureate: Completion of the first year. American High School: Completion of the first-semester grade 12 and produce SAT I (or ACT-E) grades (Kenworthy 49). German Zeugnis der Allgemeinen: Completion of the first year. French Baccalaureate: Completion of the first year (Kenworthy 186). OSSD: Completion of at least 3 college or university subjects. Tuition fees costs 54,605 Egyptian Pounds per semester (9,044 US Dollars per semester, 18,088 US Dollars per year) Application Fee- 50 US Dollars Late Registration Fee-260 US Dollars Laboratory Fee-85 US Dollars Health Insurance- 312 US Dollars Apart from this, all applicants must have attained satisfactory scores in SAT1, ACT, GCE, CBAP, TOEFL and IELTS. 4.02. Marketability and Accreditation As one of the best universities in Africa and the Arab world, AUC prides itself in offering highly competitive courses that guarantee employment within 6 months after graduation. The BBA program is tailored to meet Egypt’s economic and managerial needs. According to Kenworthy (18), its large and highly diverse student population is testament to the level of competition when it comes to securing a place to study for any program (including the BBA). The BBA is also accredited by several national and international associations, including the AACSB. 6.0. Conclusion and Recommendation Based on costs, accreditation, marketability and qualifications, I would strongly recommend the BBA program at the American University in Cairo. My findings reveal that not only is it the cheapest, but it is also one of the most prestigious in the Middle East, cheaper and more marketable and desirable compared to those offered at AUS and AUB. Its BBA program has also been offered for the longest time compared to those at AUS and AUB; this means it has been refined, polished and tailored over the years to meet changing needs and keep up with the times (Kenworthy 85). At the same time, admission requirements and qualifications are less strict compared to AUS and AUB. Combined with its highly qualified and dedicated staff, I am convinced that anyone looking to undertake a BBA program considers AUC first before applying to join either AUS or AUB. 7.0. Works Cited Kenworthy, Leonard. Some major concepts to stress in studying the Middle East. New York: Wiley and Sons, 2010. Print. Read More