The American University of Kuwait (AUK) has been granted the National Association of Schools of Art and Design substantial equivalency accreditation for its Bachelor of Arts in Design (concentration in graphic design) degree program, making it the first in Kuwait to receive such an accreditation.
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Ali Charara explains the significance of this accreditation, “Substantial equivalency is a term used by NASAD for non-US institutions. We are the first program in Kuwait to receive this recognition, which certifies that the education, program contents, resources, and faculty qualifications in the graphic design program at AUK are aligned with international standards. This is a big achievement for the Department, College and Institution. This concludes the intense efforts in the last few years of curriculum development, assessment, and evaluation in the Art & GDES Department in order to meet NASAD standards. I am proud of the work put by the AUK community into the process,” he said.
With a 124 credit-hour requirement, the design degree program in AUK offers a balanced curriculum of theory and practice in the art and science of visual communication. It emphasizes critical thinking, analysis, and creativity through the teaching of design history, methodology, and technologies to culminate designers capable of producing multifaceted designs for a wide range of clients.
Commenting on this substantial milestone, AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad said, “AUK is the spearhead of education that is dependable and authentic at every level and that is comprehensively integrated within a liberal arts tradition. Our attainment of NASAD substantial equivalency indicates our dedication to the world of art and design, and illustrates the excellence of our faculty, staff, and students, and the strength of our program. We expect nothing short of this commitment, as AUK is an agent of change.”
Founded in 1944, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities with approximately 363 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for art and design and art/design-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other art/design-related endeavors.
AUK is institutionally accredited by the Private Universities Council (PUC) in the State of Kuwait. In addition, the Intensive English Program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA); the College of Business & Economics is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB); the College of Arts & Sciences is accredited by the American Academy for Liberal Education (AALE); the BSc degree program in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology (ABET),; the BE degree program in Computer Engineering and the BE degree program in Electrical Engineering are both accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and coeducational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English.
For more information on the American University of Kuwait please visit auk.edu.kw and follow their latest on Instagram and social media @AUK_Official.
