The first reason is because I teach at the Arab American University :)
I believe we have the best campus and we take care of student needs more than others. In addition to the beautiful campus and the excellent infrastructure, almost everything the student needs is available on campus and the adjacent residence buildings. We have shops, restaurants, a pharmacy, supermarkets, car repairs, cafes, etc. We have also a state-of-the-art stadium and sports facilities. I think our university make many things available to students that other universities may not be able to afford. I think no university ever spent as much money of its own on development. Other universities receive funds from the government and contributions from many sources. But, we don't receive any of that. Instead the owners and stakeholder spend their own money on construction and development. In addition, I believe our curriculums are outstanding. Further, unlike others, we don't raise the tuition when we are in need.
We also have cooperation agreements or twin-degree programs (both bachelor and master) with universities in the United States, United Kingdom, Central America and Jordan.
In addition to the main campus near Jenin, we have a state-of-the-art graduate center (for the master's program) in Ramallah. Maybe some of our buildings and equipment are the best in Palestine.
Moreover, we have departments for continuing education and for community affairs and we have a vice president for training and a vice president for international relations. That is a clear evidence of the fact that we care about our students after they graduate. We help them as much as we can and in every possible way that is within our reach in order for them to get a job or to continue their education. We think of that as an obligation.
Furthermore, the officials at the university are very friendly to students. Their offices are open to students. They listen to their view points, ideas and suggestions. We have a democratic environment. Also, the University does its best to provide comfort for students. It is very generous in its spending on students.
Further, maybe our university is the only one here that uses the American system. Of course, the American system is preferred in many countries in the world. So, graduated of such a system have better chances of employment in many countries. I think the Arab Gulf States are some of those.
I add to all of the above that a Jordanian magazine chose the Arab American University to be one of only two eminent Palestinian universities.
The rapid grow of the university (in terms of the number of students, number of faculty members, number of employees, number of modern buildings, etc) can be seen as a sign and evidence of success of the university.
We have a diverse student body. Many of our students come from all regions of the 1948 areas. We also have international faculty members (from the United States, United Kingdom, etc). That contributes to graduating students whose English language is strong.
Offering a wide range of courses in the summer session helps students graduate early.
Why math? Because I teach math :)
Why the Arab American University? Because I teach at the Arab American University :)
Before I answer this question, I would like to note that there is a disagreement about whether we shall consider mathematics as a science or not. While many consider it science and include it in a Science Faculty/College, others consider it as a field that stands alone exactly as science. Of course, no one can live without using math and every science field needs math. If you would like to become a teacher, then I think math is good for you as math teachers will always be needed since math is taught in all school grades. If you would like to go for higher education and earn your master's degree, then I think applied math is good for you, because, unlike pure math and computational math, applied math will enable you to work in both industry and academia. So, your work opportunities are better in applied math. In addition to that, I think applied math is fun and it is more diverse.
At the Arab American University, we have a computer lab for the applied math master's students. Undergraduate students can also use it.
We also has a large modern collection of undergraduate (bachelor) and graduate (master) mathematics and statistics books. We spent a large amount of money on that. In addition, we have top mathematics and statistics journals. Maybe our modern book collection is the best in Palestine.
Moreover, most of our classes are small. It is known worldwide that small classes provide a better learning environment.
Furthermore, our curriculums follow high standards.
Also, we have two education departments nearby: one in Qabatya and the other in Jenin. Thus, I think our graduates have a better chance to get a job.
In addition, faculty members in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics graduated from top universities as ranked by Shanghai Ranking (Academic Ranking of World Universities). Our faculty are caring, but we take care of the quality of education and give extra classes when we feel that is necessary. We provide friendly but professional environment.
Many of our graduates decided to pursue their PhD education and their performance was excellent.
There is something important I would like to add which is the great past of the Arabs in history. The Arabs in the past proved that they are good at math. The current generations should not be different. That was one of the motivations I had when I decided to study mathematics instead of engineering which my family wanted me to study.
"The Arab American University aspires to be known for graduating students who far exceed the expectations locally and globally, adhere to the highest ethical standards and have a real impact on the society through research and innovation."
"To offer academic programs of international standards and recruit highly qualified faculty members who value teaching and research.
To create a collaborative environment open to the free exchange of ideas, where research, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship can flourish.
To build collaboration with international universities of highest standards.
To instill in the students, the desire to behave ethically.
To promote among its faculty members, staff and students the desire to serve the community at large."