Al al-Bayt University, often abbreviated , is one of the public universities in Jordan. It is located on the outskirts of the city of Mafraq, 65 Kilometers to the north-east of the capital Amman. The university has integrated academic facilities, student housing, and social services on one site, extending over an area of 7.539 square kilometers. The university ranks among the top ten universities in the Kingdom.
History
On August 17, 1992, a Royal Decree was issued ordaining the establishment of Al al-Bayt University. As stated in the Royal Message, the University is to meet an urgent need for a new kind of university; one that combines the requirements of scientific methodology in teaching and research, on one hand, and the requirements of belief and clarity of vision on the other, thus, creating harmony between the rounded personality of the Muslim and his new environment. The University is also intended to uphold the principles of freedom, justice, tolerance, respect of other people's beliefs and faiths, and co-existence. On December 16, 1992, another Royal Decree was issued approving the formation of Al al-Bayt Special Royal Committee, under the chairmanship of His Royal HighnessCrown Prince Hassan, and the membership of a selected high-standing scholars and intellectuals from Jordan and other parts of the Islamic world. The main task of this committee was to lay the foundation of the University, and to submit its decisions on operational and administrative issues to his Majesty the King for his final approval/decision. The Royal Decree pertaining to the appointment of the first President of Al al-Bayt University was issued on May 22, 1993. Immediately thereafter, a number of administrative, academic and technical committees were set up to carry out the mission of establishing the University, each in accordance to its assigned responsibilities. After completing its infrastructure, recruiting distinguished faculty members, and defining its courses and programs, the University was ready to receive its first group of students on October 1, 1994. Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hussein, and the presence of His Royal HighnessCrown Prince Hassan, Al al-Bayt University was officially inaugurated on March 6, 1995.
Academics
There are nine faculties in the university, each one branches out into multiple departments. The faculties are:
In 2014, the university diversified its Faculty of Arts and Humanities, including more majors in Italian, Spanish, French, English, in addition to Arabic. Two Master degrees in English Language have also been introduced: one in Literature and Criticism and the other in Linguistics. According to a fact sheet issued by the university, as of 2015, Al al-Bayt enjoys 35 undergrad programs, 33 MA programs, and 2 PhD programs.
Journals
The two most prominent journals published by the university are
