AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF ARMENIA was established in Armenia to provide graduate education in the region , in accordance with the American system and standards of higher learning and to conduct research. The University seeks to attain quality and excellence in its teaching and research characteristic of the finest universities in the United States, in a collegial environment encouraging free discussion and debate.

Its academic program currently provides graduate education in Business and Management, Industrial Engineering, Political Science, Public Health and Law. Its emphasis on graduate programs is intended to complement the State Universities and Institutes in Armenia and elsewhere which provide undergraduate education. AUA has established the Center for Business Research and Development, Engineering Research Center, Center for Health Services Research, Environmental Research and Management Center, Center for Policy Analysis to promote research in these fields in conjunction with its graduate teaching. The University intends to add other graduate departments and research centers in arts and sciences in the future.

AUA faculty members are invited to promote learning and knowledge by teaching and conducting research. The exchange between faculty members and students is based on intellectual openess. Students are encouraged to formulate critically and creatively their own paths of understanding and pursue diversity in knowledge. As a public service to the community, AUA also provides certain courses through its extension program.

By providing teaching, research and public service, AUA seeks to serve Armenia and the region and provide a positive model in their transition to a market economy and democratic style of government. The University aims to prepare graduates who will play a constructive role in the social and economic development of Armenia and the region. The use of English as the language of instruction is intended to facilitate communication between graduates of AUA and their colleagues throughout the world, and to attract an international faculty cadre and student body.