Bethlehem University

Bethlehem University is a Catholic university located in the city of Bethlehem, in the West Bank; it is the first higher education institution founded in the occupied Palestinian territories.
History
Established shortly before the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War in 1973, the university traces its roots to 1893, when the De La Salle Brothers opened schools in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Jaffa, and Nazareth, along with others in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt; and to 1964's Pope Paul VI's visit to the Holy Land in which he promised the Palestinian people a university, a centre for Ecumenical Studies (Tantur Ecumenical Institute), and a school for children with special educational needs (Effetá Paul VI School).
Bethlehem University is the first established university in Palestine and the only Catholic university in the Holy Land (excluding seminary schools and theological or biblical institutes). It continues to be a joint project supported by the Vatican and run by the De La Salle Brothers aiming to serve the Palestinian people.
Bethlehem University is among the most prestigious and internationally recognized universities in Palestine.
Demographics
Bethlehem University students are predominantly Muslim (~75%). The proportion of Christian students (~25%) is far greater than the average Christian presence in Palestinian society (~0.5%).
Bethlehem University has also a 78% female student body.
Bethlehem University takes pride in being a Catholic University where Muslims feel also at home.
Interreligious character
Bethlehem University is the only formal educational institution in the Holy Land where Christian and Muslim students study and reflect on their respective religions and that of the others in common groups and settings. Its unique course in Religious Studies is taught in alternative sessions by Muslim and Christian Scholars and Theologians respectively. This course is available for all faculties and programs as part of the core curriculum of the university.
Besides this, all religious groups are welcome at Bethlehem University, which currently counts among its students Christians of many different denominations including Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Russian Orthodox, Syriac Orthodox, Greek Catholic, and others.
Accessibility for students with disabilities
Bethlehem University is the only University in Palestine which facilities are fully accessible to wheelchairs. Historically, Bethlehem University commits to provide its students with special educational needs all the support they need to achieve graduation. The center for students with special needs provides specialized advisory and counseling services to students, adapts exams and materials into more accessible formats (including Braille language) and ensures each student's needs is adequately attended to.
Currently, many students with mobility challenges and sensorial disabilities study at Bethlehem University.
Graduate programs
Master of Business Administration in International Cooperation and Development (MICAD)
Master of Science in Biotechnology
Master of Arts in Tourism Studies
Master of Arts in Community Social Work
Master of Science in Oncology and Paliative Care Nursing
Master of Arts in education. Creative Pedagogies and Community Practices
Higher Diploma in Neonatal Nursing
Higher Diploma in Emergency Nursing
Higher Diploma in Education. Teaching Christian Religion
Higher Diploma in Education. Upper Basic Level - Teaching Science
Higher Diploma in Education. Upper Basic Level - Teaching Mathematics
Higher Diploma in Education. Upper Basic Level - Teaching Social Studies
Higher Diploma in Education. Upper Basic Level - Teaching English Language
Higher Diploma in Education. Upper Basic Level - Teaching Arabic Language
See also
Education in the Palestinian territories
List of Palestinian universities
References
External links
Directory of Faculty and Staff
Buildings and structures in Bethlehem
Lasallian colleges and universities
Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities
Universities and colleges established in 1973
1973 establishments in the Israeli Military Governorate
Catholic universities and colleges
Nursing schools in the State of Palestine