ADA University

ADA University

ADA Universiteti
Motto	Leading Innovation and Responsible Citizenship
Type	Public university
Established	Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (2006—2014) ADA University (2014—present)
Rector	Hafiz Pashayev
Academic staff	212
Students	4340
Address	Ahmadbey Agaoglu 61, Narimanov, Baku, Azerbaijan 40°23′N 49°51′E / 40.39°N 49.85°E / 40.39; 49.85
Campus	Green and Smart Campus
Language	English
Academic term	Semester
Transportation	Ganjlik metrostation
Colors	Caspian Blue   White   Pomegranate
Website	ada.edu.az

ADA University (ADA) (Azerbaijani: ADA Universiteti) is a public university established under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan in March 2006 by Hafiz Pashayev.^[2][3][4][5]

ADA University was established on January 13, 2014, by a presidential decree as a state higher education institution, offering undergraduate and graduate programs while advancing research. The University emerged from the merger of the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA) and the Information Technologies University.^[6] The Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy, founded on March 6, 2006, initially focused on training diplomats and civil servants through its Advanced Foreign Service Program, launched in 2007. It later expanded its academic offerings, introducing its first master’s program in 2009 and bachelor’s programs in 2011, paving the way for the establishment of ADA University.^[7][8]

ADA University’s main campus in Baku, used by the university since 2013, features several key buildings, including Building A, Building B, Building D, Building E, the Student Center, Building L, and the ADA Gardens. The campus is designed as a vibrant educational hub that fosters learning and community engagement.

The Student Center includes an auditorium, exhibit hall, studios, lounges, and dining areas, serving as a central gathering place for students and faculty. The ADA University Library, a four-story facility, houses approximately 120,000 volumes and provides both physical and electronic resources, along with study and collaboration spaces.

The School of Business is connected to the Caravanserai and includes classrooms, faculty offices, and a rooftop terrace, promoting a collaborative learning environment. The campus design encourages interaction among students and faculty, featuring open spaces that facilitate dialogue.

The ADA Gardens offer natural areas for rest and study, enhancing the overall campus experience. The architecture incorporates elements that reflect Azerbaijani culture and values.^[9][10]

The ADA Gazakh Center, established in 2022, is located in the historical building of the Gazakh Teachers' Seminary, which has roots tracing back to the Tbilisi Teachers' Seminary founded in 1876. This institution played a pivotal role in the education of notable Azerbaijani figures, including Jalil Mammadguluzadeh and Uzeyir Hajibeyov. Following the collapse of the Tsarist regime in 1918, the Azerbaijani division of the Transcaucasian Teachers' Seminary was relocated to Gazakh, leading to the establishment of the Gazakh Teachers' Seminary.

The center has been renovated with support from various partners, including the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and NEQSOL Holding, emphasizing its historical significance. The Gazakh Teachers' Seminary's 100th anniversary was commemorated in 2018, alongside the 150th anniversary of Firudin bey Kocharli, an influential educator.

Since its opening, the ADA Gazakh Center has offered three master's degree programs in Azerbaijani: Master of Arts in Learning and Teaching, Master of Arts in Education Management, and Master of Public Administration. As of the 2023-2024 academic year, a total of 127 students are enrolled in these programs.^[11]

The Washington Center of ADA University, established in 2007 as a non-profit organization in Washington, D.C., aims to support ADA University and its programs. Located near Dupont Circle and the Phillips Collection, the center occupies a building constructed in 1900, which was fully renovated in 2015, blending old-world craftsmanship with contemporary design.

The center spans four floors and serves as a venue for social, fraternal, and networking opportunities. It facilitates educational activities and exchanges, promotes cultural awareness, and strengthens ties between the United States and Azerbaijan. In collaboration with ADA University, the center also manages an endowment fund to support its initiatives.^[12]

Building D

University Library

ADA School

Building A

ADA Student Center

ADA Gardens

Building B

Building C

Building E

Building L

Italy-Azerbaijan University

Welcome Center

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Locations at ADA University

Since 2006, ADA has expanded the number of programs it offers and became a full-fledged university with seven schools.

Founded in 2009, the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) offers a rigorous academic environment with diverse curricula designed to cultivate high-impact graduates. The school emphasizes the importance of collaboration and effective communication within the complexities of national, regional, and global affairs. SPIA aims to produce intellectually capable solution providers with a global perspective who can apply their knowledge ethically and responsibly across various levels of governance.^[13]

As an affiliated member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs since 2013, SPIA collaborates with leading graduate schools worldwide that specialize in international affairs. This affiliation helps advance international understanding and security through professional education.

SPIA actively promotes EU-related education and academic research, in partnership with the Center of Excellence in EU Studies. In 2020, Dr. Anar Valiyev was appointed Jean Monnet Chair in EU Studies, contributing to the development of researchers and EU studies over his three-year tenure, which includes planned trainings and seminars for SPIA students.

The school offers the following programs:

• Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Digital Media
• Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs
• Master of Public Administration
• Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Affairs

The School of Business at ADA University was established in 2011. It focuses on delivering a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge and practical experience, preparing graduates for the evolving labor market. The school emphasizes ethical conduct and aims to develop socially responsible citizens equipped to navigate both local and global business environments.

The School of Business has been a member of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) since November 2019 and achieved candidacy status in March 2020. In 2024, it received ACBSP accreditation for its Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs, validating the quality and effectiveness of its educational offerings.^[14][15]

The school offers the following programs:

• BA in Business Administration
• BS in Economics
• BS Finance
• MBA
• MBA in Finance
• Master in Global Politics and Management
• MS in Human Resource Management

The School of Information Technologies and Engineering (SITE) was established in 2013 with the goal of becoming a center of excellence in education and scientific research within the region. The mission of SITE is to develop highly skilled solution providers equipped with innovative thinking and strong communication abilities. The school aims to foster an environment that promotes gender inclusivity, facilitating the intersection of education, research, and industry. SITE emphasizes initiatives in Big Data research, applications of Artificial Intelligence, and techno-entrepreneurship, focusing on how advanced technologies can enhance societal well-being.^[16][17]

The school offers the following programs:

• BS in Computer Science
• BS in Computer Engineering
• BS in Information Technologies
• Mathematics
• MS in Computer Science and Data Analytics
• MS in Electrical and Power Engineering
• MS in Computer Engineering and High Performance Computing

The School of Education was established in 2015, evolving from the former School of Humanities and Sciences. It was created to address the urgent need for modern educators who can contribute to developing an educated citizenry in Azerbaijan. The school focuses on innovative educational programs and hands-on research in partnership with local public schools. Currently, it emphasizes graduate studies. The School of Education is dedicated to meeting the educational needs of learners of all ages and collaborates closely with policymakers in the national education sector.

The school offers the following programs:

• MA in Educational Management
• MA in Teaching and Learning
• MA in Teaching and Learning (in Azerbaijani)
• MA in Educational Management (in Azerbaijani)

The School of Law at ADA University was established in 2022, evolving from the former Law Program initiated in 2018. It offers a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and Master of Law (L.L.M.) degree, aiming to train modern lawyers equipped to address both domestic and global legal challenges.

The School was founded in response to historical, political, and legal needs in Azerbaijan, particularly following the country’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Its mission is to provide comprehensive legal education aligned with international standards, emphasizing the importance of fundamental human rights and fair competition.

The curriculum includes essential knowledge of national and international law, analytical and critical legal skills, comparative legal analysis, professional communication, and ethical practices. The LL.B. program requires a minimum of 240 ECTS credits, with instruction partly in English. Specializations offered in the final year include "Law and Government," "Law and Business," and "Law and Technology." The School also emphasizes practical experience through externships and clinical education.

The school offers the following programs:

• L.L.B. (Bachelor of Laws)
• L.L.M. (Master of Laws)

The School of Agricultural and Food Sciences (SAFS) was established in collaboration with the University of Bologna as part of the Italy-Azerbaijan University initiative. It will offer bachelor's, master's, and non-degree certificate programs in agricultural and food studies. Programs are designed in partnership with public authorities, private stakeholders, and local communities to address critical challenges in the agricultural and food sectors. The first cohort of students for its degree programs will begin in September 2024, with classes held at ADA University’s Baku campus and regional centers in Gazakh and Ganja.

The school offers the following programs:

• Agricultural Technologies
• Food Technologies
• Animal Sciences
• Master of Science in Agricultural and Food Systems Management

The School of Design and Architecture (SDA) at ADA University is established in partnership with the Politecnico di Milano as part of the Italy-Azerbaijan University initiative. It offers bachelor's, master's, and non-degree certificate programs in design, architecture, and urban planning. The school aims to align with Azerbaijan's economic and cultural growth, addressing the evolving landscape of urban areas and contributing to the development of non-oil sectors.

SDA focuses on education and innovation, preparing students to participate in the country's progress as designers, architects, and urban planners. Collaborations with public institutions and local communities are essential for promoting coordinated development efforts and anticipating future scenarios. The school adopts a polytechnic approach, providing foundational knowledge and practical experience through project-based design studios. Graduates are equipped to enter the job market as junior architects or designers.

The school offers the following programs:

• Bachelor of Architecture
• Bacheor in Interior Design

The College of Humanities and Sciences at ADA University offers educational programs aimed at enhancing students' academic readiness. The English for Academic and Professional Purposes (EAPP) program is designed to improve English proficiency and prepares students for academic and professional success by developing linguistic, cultural, social, and academic skills. It promotes confidence, critical thinking, and an appreciation of both Azerbaijani and global cultures.

The Foundation Program provides a multidisciplinary curriculum that equips students with essential knowledge in Humanities, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Writing, and Public Speaking. This program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, and civic engagement, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their undergraduate studies.

The Career Management Center supports the professional development of ADA University students with industry-related and hands-on skill set by offering diverse internship and employment opportunities in the competitive job market.^[18]

In July 2017, the Caspian Center for Energy and Environment organized the Baku Summer Energy School. The two-week certificate program brought together scholars, academicians, and policymakers to examine and better understand global energy and environment issues and their practical application.^[19][20]

Baku Dialogues is an English-language quarterly peer-reviewed academic journal published by ADA University, focusing on policy perspectives related to the Silk Road region and its geopolitical, economic, and cultural significance.^[21] It was established in 2014 and revived in September 2020, serving as ADA University's flagship.^[22]

• Official website