Following the successful launch of the MBA in Global Business Administration in fall 2021 and the MS in Computer Science in January 2022, LAU is expanding its offering to include three new online master’s degree programs and two certificates to equip students with the necessary skillset for the digital age.

The MBA in Business Analytics is recently underway; the MS in International Construction Management, Certificate in Cybersecurity and the Certificate in AI and Data Science will launch in January 2023; and the MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence in fall 2023. 

LAU’s growth in online program delivery is an important piece in the institution’s commitment to innovation and accessibility to quality higher education on par with international standards. These programs also represent a significant strategic development in the university’s plan to grow its footprint in an increasingly competitive, globalized and digitized sector.

The MS in International Construction Management “covers the expert knowledge and skills needed to manage all aspects of international construction projects, such as long supply-chain lines, multinational labor force, international finances and currency issues, varying safety cultures and local contractual laws, among others,” said Associate Professor of Civil Engineering and Associate Dean Caesar Abi Shdid.

With the development of tech-based construction methods and new opportunities created by the World Trade Organization Agreement and Washington Accord allowing professionals in the industry to practice outside their country of citizenship, project managers need to acquire an understanding of how the business operates on a global basis, he explained.

The program targets professionals in the construction industry who would like to attain high-level, executive positions and those wishing to make a career shift into construction management.

The Certificate in Cybersecurity and the Certificate in AI and Data Science are also tailored for professionals aiming to advance their careers, said Professor of Computer Science Faisal Abou-Khzam.

“Both certificates tackle highly marketable skills in a booming tech field, as they are interdisciplinary and useful across professions,” he said.

The certificates are “stackable,” meaning one can take both in sequence and have those courses counted toward the master’s program. A bootcamp course can be organized for applicants who do not possess an undergraduate degree in computer science.

Due to launch in fall 2023, the online MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence delivers hands-on training and expert technical skills to prepare students from different backgrounds and professions for the fast-growing AI industry, said Professor of Computer Science Azzam Mourad.

“The emphasis is on the application of AI algorithms and techniques and other AI-driven tools to real-world problems in different fields and professions, be it digital humanities, healthcare, or business and e-commerce,” he added.

LAU offers these degrees and certificates based on its status as an institution chartered by the New York State Education Department.

The programs are being implemented in partnership with Wiley, the globally known higher education publisher and consultancy.

The master’s degrees issued on completion will be identical to campus degrees and graduates are welcome to march at commencement.

Details on the curricula, admission and tuition, are available on our Online Programs at Lebanese American University page.