For nearly a century, Mapua University has established itself as a premier engineering and technological institution in the Philippines, and it now ranks among the world's finest. Renowned for its cutting-edge curriculum and research, MapĂșa's achievements reflect its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and innovation. As the university approaches its centennial, it continues to expand its influence by introducing new programs, pioneering studies, and state-of-the-art learning tools.
A Century of Educational Milestones
Founded in 1925, Mapua University began its journey with just 75 students, offering two engineering and architecture courses. Fast forward to today, and the institution has grown into a leading university with thousands of learners across its campuses in Intramuros, Makati, Laguna, and Davao. With over 70 undergraduate degrees, more than 50 graduate programs, and a senior high school, Mapua has expanded its course offerings to include business, health sciences, media studies, and other fields beyond its STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) origins.
Global Recognition and Rankings
Mapua's dedication to excellence culminated in a significant achievement in 2022, when it debuted in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2023, joining three other top Philippine universities. The institution is also recognized as a Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) 4-Star institution, placing it among the top 100 universities in Southeast Asia.
These international recognitions underscore Mapua's standing in the global academic community. The university remains committed to pioneering industry-aligned programs, utilizing digital education to enhance learning experiences, and empowering students with skills that will help them thrive in a fast-changing world.
Industry-Aligned Programs for the Future
To meet the demands of the evolving job market, Mapua has introduced new programs that align with global industry trends, such as energy engineering, data science, game development, financial technology, and business intelligence and analytics. These programs are designed to equip students with specialized skills and knowledge to succeed in a range of industries worldwide.
In October 2023, Mapua, along with its sister schools Mapua Malayan Colleges Laguna and Mapua Malayan Colleges Mindanao, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first school system in the Philippines to receive Quality Matters (QM) certification for select online courses. This certification signifies that their online offerings meet the highest standards of quality and innovation.
AI Integration and Cutting-Edge Learning Tools
Mapua's partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) in 2022 marked a transformative step for the university, enabling it to introduce AI-powered tools in its curriculum. Leveraging ASU’s collaboration with OpenAI, Mapua has integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into its programs to enhance student success, streamline processes, and open up new research opportunities. Students are trained to maximize AI tools through advanced modules such as Basic Prompt Engineering with ChatGPT and Scripting ChatGPT with Python, ensuring that they are well-prepared to create AI solutions in the future.
Transforming Education Through Digitalization
Mapua continues to expand its resources and infrastructure to offer students a holistic learning experience. Recent developments include a new canteen and clinic at the Intramuros campus, state-of-the-art digital classrooms in partnership with Cisco, and the upcoming Medicine wing at the Mapua-Arizona State University Human Health Learning and Innovation Center in Makati.
Looking ahead, the university plans to further its reach by launching new degree programs, expanding international collaborations, and embracing digital transformation. Mapua's ongoing efforts to innovate and provide accessible, high-quality education demonstrate its commitment to shaping future generations of learners equipped with future-proof skills.
Empowering Lifelong Learners and Educators
In 2024, Mapua continues its mission of accessible education with the launch of Mapua Snippets and STEMTeach, two philanthropic learning initiatives designed for young learners and educators. Mapua Snippets offers free interactive micro-videos to enhance English and Math for elementary students, while STEMTeach provides a free, fully online professional development platform for junior and senior high school STEM teachers. Both are housed under the new MapuaX platform, a hub for lifelong learning courses and micro-credentials.
Shaping the Future of Education
As Mapua approaches its 100th year, its vision of becoming a global leader in education is clearer than ever. By pioneering innovative educational technologies, offering cutting-edge degree programs, and forging international collaborations, Mapua is setting the stage for its next century of academic excellence. Through its commitment to digital transformation and lifelong learning, Mapua University will continue to empower students and educators alike, fostering sustainable socio-economic growth and shaping the future of education in the Philippines and beyond.
Mapua University stands as a beacon of academic achievement, not only in the Philippines but on the world stage. With its bold vision for the future, Mapua is poised to lead the way in fostering innovation, building future-proof careers, and making quality education accessible to all.