AUM Overview
The American University of Madaba (AUM) traces its origins to the visionary decision of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, who sought to establish a university in Madaba, Jordan. This endeavor began in 2005 when the Higher Education Council of Jordan granted a license to establish a new university. The cornerstone of AUM was blessed by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in 2009. In his profound words, the Pope envisioned AUM as “a place of understanding and dialogue,” where students, while embracing their own culture, would deepen their appreciation of human cultural achievements, foster global citizenship, and cultivate peace. He articulated AUM’s role as a “stepping stone for personal and community advancement” and a place where “ethics, values, and moral integrity” would flourish alongside knowledge and scientific expertise. This vision is enshrined in AUM’s enduring motto: Sapientia et Scientia (Wisdom and Knowledge).
Milestones in the Growth of AUM
In 2011, the Higher Education Council approved the university’s official name, the American University of Madaba. That same year, AUM was accredited by Jordan’s Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission for Higher Education Institutions, marking the start of enrollment and instructional activities. AUM’s significance on the national stage was cemented when His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein officially inaugurated the university on May 30, 2013. Two years later, the first cohort of AUM students graduated, symbolizing the university’s commitment to academic excellence, civic engagement, and community contribution.
Driven by a vision to attain global recognition, AUM embarked on the path to American accreditation through the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a prestigious body recognized for its rigorous higher education standards. This journey began with approval to grant degrees from the New Hampshire Higher Education Council in 2012 and state approval in 2013.
NECHE journey commenced in 2021 with the submission of the eligibility report and a subsequent virtual visit. AUM’s self-study efforts culminated in a comprehensive on-campus evaluation by NECHE in May 2024, leading to the award of “Candidate for Accreditation” status in November 2024. The final phase of accreditation is now underway, reflecting AUM’s unwavering commitment to quality, improvement, and excellence.
AUM’s Role in Upholding Global Values
From its inception, AUM has shouldered its responsibility to champion global values and address pressing global challenges, including environmental stewardship. This commitment is evident in the university’s innovative adoption of a Building Management System (BMS) to optimize energy efficiency, manage water resources sustainably, and implement effective waste recycling processes. These initiatives embody AUM’s dedication to environmental responsibility, ensuring that the university not only educates but leads by example in fostering sustainable practices.
This ethos is woven into AUM’s holistic approach to the concept of a university, rooted in the ethics of care and a progressive educational paradigm. At AUM, students experience an education that transcends the classroom through active, experiential learning that fosters critical thinking, adaptability, and innovation. Simultaneously, the university invests in building the sustainable capacities of its staff, ensuring they are equipped to deliver transformative learning experiences.
AUM also prioritizes quality research with tangible, real-world impacts, addressing societal needs while advancing academic frontiers. The university’s commitment extends to meaningful community outreach and robust partnerships, ensuring that its contributions resonate far beyond its campus. Through collaborative initiatives, AUM engages with local and global communities to drive social progress, promote inclusion, and nurture resilience.
Expanding Academic Horizons
AUM’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its diverse programs and global affiliations. In 2023, the Medical Laboratory program achieved recognition and affiliation with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and the American Medical Technologists (AMT). Today, AUM offers bachelor’s degrees in 19 majors and graduate degrees in two disciplines across seven faculties: Engineering, Science, Health Sciences, Information Technology, Architecture and Design, Business, and Languages and Communication.
The university’s faculty is an exceptional blend of expertise drawn from the Middle East, Europe, and North America, with approximately two-thirds holding advanced degrees from prestigious U.S. and European institutions. Instruction is conducted exclusively in English, ensuring a global standard of education.
A Campus Rooted in Tradition and Innovation
Nestled on a sprawling 100-acre campus just five miles from the historic city of Madaba, the American University of Madaba (AUM) harmoniously blends reverence for ancient heritage with modern educational excellence. Madaba, renowned for its rich historical tapestry and iconic Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, including the famed 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, provides a culturally rich backdrop that deeply influences AUM's identity.
The university's architectural design thoughtfully integrates traditional American university aesthetics with cutting-edge infrastructure, fostering a vibrant academic environment across its eleven operational buildings. Central to AUM's commitment to sustainability is the implementation of a state-of-the-art Building Management System (BMS), which optimizes energy efficiency, water recycling, and overall environmental stewardship.
As a private, non-profit institution, AUM draws upon the diverse values of Jordanian, American, and religious human values to nurture ethical responsibility, social cohesion, hospitality, democracy, peace, and coexistence. This unique fusion of ancient respect for civilization and forward-thinking innovation positions AUM as a symbol of holistic education, deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Madaba.
AUM Legacy
Through its innovative approach, cultural grounding, and commitment to excellence, AUM prepares graduates with unparalleled perspectives and skills. By bridging academic rigor with cultural heritage, the university empowers its students to become leaders and changemakers, building a stronger Jordanian community and contributing to a better world. AUM’s journey, inspired by faith and fueled by ambition, stands as a testament to the power of education to transform lives, promote understanding, and forge a brighter future for generations to come.