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.

The Academic work of the University of Investigation and extension is conducted in the following faculties: Business (Administration and Logistics), Natural and Technology Sciences (Engineering, Structural Architecture and Design), Social Sciences (Psychology and Communications), Law and Political Sciences and Humanities and Theology.

The university promotes undergraduate research in virtually every discipline and has outstanding national reputation in many areas; we offer 27 different programs of undergraduate studies and bachelors’ degrees.

The Graduate School offers more than 31 graduate degree programs leading to master´s and doctoral degrees, preparing our students for the highest levels of success in their professional or academic careers. In addition, several specialist and certificate degrees are offered.

The extension is done through a series of Continuous Educational Activities such as: Courses, Seminars, Workshops, Certifications (CISCO, MS), IN-HOUSE Training, Advisory Services, Foreign Language Courses, English as a Second Language Program (ESL Program) and others.

The University conducts investigation and extension activities through the International Projects Management, Applied Investigations, Social University Service, National and International Apprenticeships, Practice on the Field, Volunteer Services, and Assistance in Learning (Tutors), Student Service, Psychological Counseling, Technology Services of Information and Communication (TICs).

The University develops financial projects for international organizations such as the Program for University Students with Leadership and Citizenship Responsibilities, Entrepreneurs with Social Business Responsibility. The University is member of different networks and international organization such as IAESTE (International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience), FUIC (Catholic University International Federation), UDUAL –OEI (Unión de Universidades de América Latina), UNIVERSIA, OUI (Organización Universitaria Internacional), Red INCA de Cooperación e Internacionalización de la Educación Superior, and AIESEC.

The academic year consists of three four-month periods (16 class weeks, class hour: 60 minutes):

o January – May,

o May – August,

o September – December

The extension is done through a series of Continuous Educational Activities such as: Courses, Seminars, Workshops, Certification (CISCO, MS) Programs, Company’s IN-HOUSE Training, Advisory Services, Technical Program Certifications, Foreign Language Courses, English as a Second Language Program (ESL Program) and others.

In addition, there is an Active University Life by means of Cultural, Musical, Theater, Poetry, Sports (American Football, Basketball, Flag Football, Football Soccer, and Baseball), Dance, University Choir and Folkloric Activities.

The University conducts investigation and extension activities through the International Project Management, Indexed Scientific Journal (Investigation and Critical Thinking Journal), Applied Investigations, Social University Service, National and International Apprenticeships, Field Professional Practice Program, Volunteer Services, and Assistance in Learning (Tutors), Student Service, Psychological Counseling, Technology Services of Information and Communication (TICs).

The Social Responsibility of USMA is profoundly structured with the UNIVERSITY SOCIAL SERVICE (SSU), which is an obligatory requisite in order to obtain a degree at an undergraduate level.

Knowledge of Level B1 English from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is mandatory for all students completing a Bachelor’s degree. USMA has a complete English Program for our students to meet this requirement.

Main Language of Teaching: Spanish

English taught program: None at this time

Elective academic course of other language: Portuguese (levels 1 and 2)

Other language courses taught at Language

Center: French, Mandarin, Professional

English

Job Placement within the first 12 months or less

(per surveys conducted 2016/2017/2018): 80%

USMA University has the following statistics:

* Undergraduate students: 4953

* Graduate students: 225

* Doctoral Program students: 21

* International Students: 549 (10% are international students of 33 different countries)

* Male students: 2338

* Female students: 2861

* Full time Faculty: 57

* Part time Faculty: 578

* International Full time Faculty: 3

* International Part time Faculty number: 27

* Fulltime Faculty with PhD: 16

* Part time Faculty with PhD: 8