The university began, though, as the small, more humble East Alabama Male College, which was chartered in 1856 and opened its doors in 1859 as a private liberal arts institution. University if offering more than 140 majors from which students can choose. Auburn University is committed to preparing our students for today’s global economy. Auburn University has established itself as an excellent comprehensive, public land-grant university. Auburn university become a world-renowned institution that excels in education, research, and service—and to become a model of higher education.