The NYU Abu Dhabi curriculum, in the tradition of a liberal arts and science college, exposes students to challenging ideas, bodies of knowledge, cultural traditions, and transformative achievements. It deepens reflection about the human condition to help students develop their abilities and realize their potential.
The core liberal arts curriculum of NYU Abu Dhabi provides broad introductions to the major questions, research protocols, thought processes, and practices that drive the Humanities, Arts, Sciences, Social Sciences, and Engineering.
The NYUAD core consists of:
2 Core Colloquia, each of which addresses a significant global challenge from a multidisciplinary perspective.
4 Core Competency Courses, one each in:
- Arts, Design, and Technology
- Cultural Exploration and Analysis
- Data and Discovery
- Structures of Thought and Society
One course designated as filling a Quantitative Reasoning (Q) requirement, one that fills an Experimental Inquiry (E) requirement, and one that fills an Islamic Studies (X) requirement. These will be drawn from courses across the curriculum — in and out of the Core — as indicated in the bulletin.
All Core courses develop students’ abilities to formulate precise questions and arrive at well-reasoned and effectively communicated conclusions about themselves and the world we share.
Additionally, students in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences specialize in a major that is declared no later than the fourth semester. Science and Engineering students normally begin their majors during the first year.
Students may also choose from two types of optional concentrations — multidisciplinary and disciplinary — which offer a basis for the rigorous study of disciplines that complement the major area of study or are of personal interest to a student. A broad choice of electives are available as well, including up to three courses in a pre-professional track. And every student completes the undergraduate degree with an independent Capstone project or thesis.