Notre Dame University–Louaize: A Premier Catholic Institution in Lebanon
Notre Dame University–Louaize (NDU) is a distinguished private Catholic university located in Zouk Mosbeh, Lebanon. Guided by its motto, "Gaudium De Veritate" (The Joy of Truth), the institution has grown from a specialized college into one of the nation's leading academic centers. Currently ranked fifth in Lebanon, NDU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), ensuring its programs meet rigorous international standards.
The university serves as a hub for academic excellence, blending a commitment to faith-based values with a modern, comprehensive approach to higher learning.
Key Facts
- Established: 1978 (as LCHE); granted independent university status in 1987.
- Accreditation: NECHE (New England Commission of Higher Education).
- Student Population: Approximately 7,000 students (as of Fall 2019).
- Faculty: 205 full-time and 298 part-time educators.
- Academic System: Adopts the American system of education.
- Main Campus: Zouk Mosbeh, spanning 60.29 acres.
History and Foundation
NDU was founded by the Maronite Order of The Blessed Virgin Mary (OMM), an organization dedicated to promoting education and improving the lives of the Lebanese people since 1695. The university's origins date back to 1978, when Reverend Bechara Boutros Rahi (the current Maronite Patriarch) established the Louaize College for Higher Education (LCHE) in cooperation with Beirut University College (now the Lebanese American University).
The institution transitioned to its current status on August 14, 1987, following Decree 4116 issued by the President of the Lebanese Republic, which officially granted the right to operate as an independent university.
Academic Structure and Programs
NDU utilizes the American system of education, offering a diverse array of 76 major fields of study across undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as various minor programs. All degrees are recognized and accredited by the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE).
Faculties and Departments
The university is organized into several specialized faculties:
- Ramez G. Chaghoury Faculty of Architecture Arts & Design: Departments of Architecture, Design, and Music.
- Faculty of Business Administration & Economics: Departments of Economics, Accounting and Finance, Management and Marketing, and Hospitality and Tourism Management.
- Faculty of Humanities: Departments of English and Translation, Psychology, Education and Physical Education, Media Studies, and Religious, Cultural and Philosophical Studies.
- Faculty of Engineering: Departments of Civil and Environmental, Electrical, Computer and Communication, and Mechanical Engineering.
- Faculty of Natural & Applied Sciences: Departments of Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics & Astronomy, and Sciences.
- Faculty of Nursing & Health Sciences: Department of Nursing and Health Sciences.
- Faculty of Law & Political Science: Departments of Law and Government and International Relations.
Additionally, the university operates a Lifelong Learning Center (LLC) to support continuous professional development.
Research and Global Engagement
NDU fosters a culture of inquiry through several dedicated research centers, including the Center for Research on Sustainable Development, the Institute of Lebanese Thought, the Lebanese Emigration Research Center, and the Center for Applied Research in Education. The university also maintains its own publishing arm, NDU Press.
On a global scale, NDU maintains memberships in prestigious organizations such as the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (USA), the International Association of Universities (France), and the Federation of Arab Universities (Jordan). The Faculty of Business Administration and Economics is also a member of the European Council for Business Education in Brussels.
Campus Facilities and Libraries
The main Zouk Mosbeh campus overlooks the Dog River valley and is one of the largest in Lebanon. With a total built area of 34,000 square meters, it is designed to accommodate roughly 8,000 students. The campus features a comprehensive library, museum, computer center, and various laboratories.
Beyond the main site, NDU operates two additional campuses: the North Lebanon Campus (NLC) in Barsa, El Koura, and the Shouf Campus (SC) in Deir el-Kamar.
The university's library system is a cornerstone of its academic mission. The Mariam and Youssef Library (Zouk Mosbeh), along with libraries at the NLC, Shouf, and Old Zouk Mosbeh campuses, provide extensive print and electronic resources. NDU is a founding member of the Lebanese Academic Library Consortium (LALC) and participates in the OCLC WorldShare Interlibrary Loan community to share resources globally.
University Overview Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| President | Father Bechara Khoury |
| Main Location | Zouk Mosbeh, Lebanon |
| Campus Size | 60.29 acres |
| Academic System | American |
| Major Fields of Study | 76 |
| Accreditation | NECHE & MEHE |
Student Life and Culture
NDU encourages creativity and the arts, most notably through its International Film Festival held every November. This event promotes young filmmakers by screening short films across fiction, documentary, and animation categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Notre Dame University–Louaize accredited?
Yes, NDU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and all its degrees are recognized by the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE).
What educational system does NDU follow?
The university adopts the American system of education for its undergraduate and graduate programs.
Where are NDU's campuses located?
The main campus is in Zouk Mosbeh. The university also has a North Lebanon Campus in Barsa, El Koura, and a Shouf Campus in Deir el-Kamar.
Who founded NDU?
NDU was founded by the Maronite Order of The Blessed Virgin Mary (OMM), with the initial project started by Reverend Bechara Boutros Rahi in cooperation with Beirut University College.
Can guests use the NDU libraries?
Yes, guests and visitors are allowed to access and use library resources, but borrowing privileges are reserved exclusively for NDU faculty, students, staff, and alumni.