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Najia from India has always wanted to start her own business after graduation. But after completing her undergraduate degree at the American University of Sharjah (AUS), she stayed on for a master’s degree instead. She believed it would give her a stronger foundation to launch her venture.
“The programme has done a great job of providing a well-rounded foundation in all the key areas needed to be an effective business leader or manager. It has covered everything from finance and marketing to strategy and human resources, giving me a solid understanding of what it takes to start and run a successful business,” she says. “As someone who aspires to start my own business, this exposure will help me develop the skills and knowledge I need to move forward on that path.”
Najia is not the only person singing the praises of the private university. Maliha from also commends AUS’s strong academic reputation and the practical insights it provides, opening doors to diverse career opportunities especially in the world of business. “I have gained a profound understanding of finance principles, developed critical analytical skills, and worked closely with professors on real-world research projects,” she says. “The collaborative environment and challenging coursework pushed me to grow both academically and personally, making this programme invaluable to my career aspirations.”
Najia and Maliha are part of programmes offered by the School of Business Administration. The highest-quality American-style business education in the UAE, these programmes provide local and global business perspectives as well as promote critical thinking and develop effective communication skills.
Below are the best business programmes offered by AUS, ranked among the top three universities in the UAE (2025 QS World University Rankings):
The American University of Sharjah is known for its high academic ranking, good reputation, and various programmes offered. Source: American University of Sharjah
The first is the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Here, you will learn about the fundamentals of business as you refer to real-life cases to demonstrate the applicability of the tools and theories studied in class to actual business problems on a local and global scale.
“The MBA programme at AUS has prepared me with essential skills in strategic thinking, leadership, and decision-making,” student Farah says. “Courses and projects have strengthened my ability to analyse complex problems, while group work has enhanced my teamwork and communication skills. The practical knowledge in areas like finance and leadership feels directly relevant to my career goals, equipping me to handle challenges and make impactful decisions confidently.”
With courses like Technology Innovation and Digital Strategy that explore the latest trends in information technology, information systems, and digital strategies, and Strategic Management where you will be given the tools to position organisations in a competitive business environment successfully, the MBA will prepare you to pursue fulfilling careers in any sector either in the country or abroad.
“The programme has prepared me well for a future in finance, especially in the government sector,” student Abdulla says. “I’ve gained skills in financial analysis, strategy, and compliance – all directly relevant to my work. I feel confident that these skills will be useful as I progress in my career.”The Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) is another standout programme from the school. Taking on this master’s degree will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to solve accounting problems relevant to any business area. It also helps you meet the 150-hour education requirement for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification, preparing you for the CPA examination in the UAE.
“I found the MSA to be perfect for me as well as it being in one of the strongest universities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and close to my home country,” student Shahad says. “As the MSA is a smaller programme compared to the MBA, I can say with confidence that all my professors and faculty have contributed to my master’s experience.”
All programmes are not just taught by the esteemed faculty but also by guest lecturers from the industry. Source: American University of Sharjah
The Master of Science in Finance (MSF), on the other hand, prepares you for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams, at levels II and III. This is important for students who aspire to progress in the financial services, corporate finance, insurance, banking, securities, and law. Your education here is only enhanced by frequent guest lectures from industry leaders who will share their experiences in the professional field. You will also perform tasks in collaboration with financial institutions to strengthen your industry prowess and sense of cooperation, both of which are essential in the industry.
For those who aim for positions such as economists, consultants, data and business analysts, and policy advisors, the Master of Science in Economics and Policy (MSEP) is the degree you should enrol in. It focuses on an advanced understanding of economics, policy, data analysis, and their interdependencies. These are all tested in various research with the programme’s faculty of active researchers who regularly publish in reputable journals.
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