It offers a range of degree programs, include undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels.

[2] The creation of the Lebanese University was an idea first mentioned in the speech of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hamid Frangieh, during the closing ceremony of the Third UNESCO Conference in Beirut held on 11 December 1948, during which he said: "Lebanon hopes to see the creation of a Lebanese university having the spirit of UNESCO."

The movement included demonstrations and clashes with security forces that lead the Council of Ministers to meet on 5 February of the same year.

The university issued successive decrees since its inception, establishing faculties and institutes, which contributed to its expansion and development until reaching 16 faculties:[6] In addition to three Doctoral Schools: The university is also affiliated with the Institute of Applied Sciences and Economics[26] (CNAM-ISAE), which operates in cooperation with CNAM in France.

The university awarded honorary doctorates to a number of heads of state and officials, including in chronological order: In 2009, the Lebanese University started awarding honorary doctorates to Lebanese personalities.