Whether part of the teaching program, the fruit of individual faculty effort, or part of an externally funded project, research represents an important commitment of the American University in Cairo. One of the objectives of the undergraduate program is to equip students with the attitudes, skills, and knowledge needed to undertake independent scholarly investigation.  In most master's programs theses are required, providing opportunities for students to explore research topics in depth under the close guidance of faculty advisers.

Faculty research is encouraged and is recognized by the university as an important factor in promotion and tenure decisions. For many years the university has offered research and conference grants to full-time faculty to enable them to attend scholarly and professional conferences and to carry out research either in Egypt or abroad.  Faculty of professorial rank may apply for a full-year or a one-semester sabbatical leave every seven years to undertake research and writing and to interact with faculty and participate in programs in other institutions. Administrative support to research is provided by the Office of Graduate Studies and Research, the Office of Sponsored Programs and the Office of African Studies.

Please consult the AUC website for more information about faculty research interests and projects.