The Department of Economics at LAU’s Adnan Kassar School of Business (AKSOB) has signed an academic pathway agreement with Concordia University in Canada. The partnership enables graduate students of the Applied Economics program to pursue a PhD in Economics at Concordia University, strengthening their academic foundations and career prospects.

Through the agreement, Applied Economics students at LAU will benefit from a comprehensive education and access to advanced research opportunities, which will further build up their skills in preparation for doctoral studies. Both universities will foster interdisciplinary research partnerships and academic exchanges, paving the way for cross-cultural engagement and learning. The agreement was facilitated through LAU’s Office of International Services and Programs.

“This collaboration is not just about advancing academic careers,” said Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Economics Dr. Ali Fakih, “but also about creating a robust foundation for scholarly research and innovation.”

Dr. Fakih added that it “exemplifies LAU’s dedication to provide world-class educational opportunities that prepare our students for academic success and impactful contributions to the global economic community.”

The program is applied in nature and provides students with the tools to analyze timely economic issues and problems, enhancing their engagement in active research. To date, 29 student-faculty co-authored publications have been published in peer-reviewed international journals.

For Dean of Graduate Studies and Research Samer Saab, the collaboration “is pivotal in advancing research, fostering diversity and promoting inclusion.” Synergy, added Dr. Saab, “is vital for nurturing an academic environment that is committed to groundbreaking research.”

Furthermore, the MA in Applied Economics at LAU is renowned among employers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and beyond, especially as its alumni have joined PhD programs in reputable universities such as City University of New York (CUNY), University College London, HEC Montreal, the University of Ottawa, Concordia University and the University of Manchester.

Graduates of the program who had opted for professional careers have been recruited for high-ranking jobs in the private sector and at international Non-Governmental Organizations such as the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank.

The student exchange component of the agreement, noted Assistant Professor Dr. Samar Aad, is particularly significant for students, as it offers them the opportunity to experience academic and cultural life outside Lebanon. “Exposure to international academic environments broadens students’ perspectives and enhances their global understanding, preparing them to engage more effectively in the global economy and interdisciplinary research,” she added.

For more information about the MA in Applied Economics and the Academic Pathway Agreement with Concordia University, visit the Department of Economics webpage.