The Santa Maria La Antigua Catholic University “La Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua” (USMA) was established in 1965 with the support of a dynamic Panamanian Clergy, The Federation of Catholic Schools of Panama and the National Association of Parents of the Catholic Schools in Panama. It is functioning as a nonprofit private university in Panama and Law of the Republic of Panama.
The University´s more than 5000 students permanently receive a personal attention and are constantly advised of the mentoring opportunities. USMA´s academic work is conducted by investigation and extension in five (5) University Centers: Main Campus, Panama City, Chiriquí Campus (East frontier with Costa Rica), the Herrera Campus, and Veraguas Campus (Mid-Central Zone) and Colon Campus (North-Atlantic Region).
The academic quality of the programs and projects are conducted in different ways through: School Councils, Faculty Councils, Centers´ University Councils and Academic Council.