The Saint Joseph University of Beirut established the School of Mediterranean Agricultural Engineering (ESIAM) in October 1979 within its Faculty of Engineering and Architecture. The Lebanese state formally recognized ESIAM on February 3, 1987, through Decree No. 3665, with its first class graduating in July 1984. Initially, ESIAM operated next to the USJ Business School - Zahle and Beqaa branches. In 1994, the School moved to Taanayel, where it established an experimental field near the Jesuit Fathers’ convent.

The School of Food Industry Engineering (ESIA), founded by USJ in Kfarfalous in southern Lebanon in October 1979, also belongs to the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture. Due to events in the region, ESIA suspended its activities, and reopened in Taanayel alongside ESIAM at the start of the 2003 academic year.