AMA University

About

AMA University, also known as AMA Computer University (AMACU) or simply AMA, is a private, nonsectarian, for-profit university in Quezon City, Philippines.

AMA University and its sister school AMA Computer College (AMACC) were founded by Amable R. Aguiluz V, who named them after the initials of his father's name, Amable Mendoza Aguiluz Sr. Aguiluz founded the AMA Institute of Computer Studies with the first computer school located along Shaw Boulevard on October 20, 1980. Back then, AMA Institute of Computer Studies offered only short-term courses in Electronic Data Processing Fundamentals, Basic Programming, and Technology Career. Three students enrolled at the AMA Institute of Computer Studies during the first semester.

AMA Computer College was created in June 1981. It extended its services through a four-year Bachelor of Science degree program in Computer Science. With only a handful of students in its first year of operation, the AMACC student population rose from 600 in 1983 to 2,000 in 1985 on its first official campus in Makati. Shortly after, it established its main campus in Quezon City. Two provincial campuses were then founded in Cebu City and Davao City. The AMA Computer Learning Center (ACLC) was established in 1987 and the AMA Telecommunication & Electronic Learning Center in 1996. The former offers short-course programs for professionals and two-year technical/vocational courses for those who wish to acquire employment skills. The latter concentrates on telecommunication, electronics, and related technologies.

AMA Computer College of Quezon City became AMA Computer University or AMA University following the conferment of university status by the Philippine government's Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on August 20, 2001. In 2003, AMA Computer University partnered with Carnegie Mellon University's iCarnegie to use its curriculum and courses through e-learning. Previously, iCarnegie had approached STI for the agreement, but opted to stick with AMACU instead.

In 2003, AMA Education system brokered a partnership with the government of Bahrain to establish the AMA International University in Manama.

In 2001, AMA joined the newly created National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU).

Amable Aguiluz V was Joseph Estrada's political endorser in the 1998 Presidential elections. Aguiluz resigned from the Commission in November 1999 due to a controversial purchase of equipment by the commission from a subsidiary of the AMA Group of Companies. Aguiluz's father Amable Aguiluz Sr. was Diosdado Macapagal's friend and Aguiluz Sr. served as chairman and auditor-general of the Commission on Audit in the 1960s. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was invited to AMA's sponsored political rallies. In 1995, Arroyo attended a political rally in AMA when she ran for re-election as senator. Arroyo attended all graduation rites for AMA from 2002 to 2005. Arroyo cited AMA for not participating in cause oriented and student activist groups. Arroyo appointed Aguiluz as Presidential Adviser for the Middle East.

College of Computer Studies College of Engineering College of Business Administration and Accountancy College of Arts and Sciences College of Education

AMA Computer College has 41 campuses nationwide under the AMA University and Colleges umbrella. Only the main campus of AMA in Project 8 is accredited with a University status; all else are under study for proper tertiary status. Student population mainly determine the longevity of the campuses.

The AMA Education System has a number of member schools.

AMA Computer College are educational institutions across the Philippines that offer the same programs as AMACU. AMA International University is a partnership between the government of Bahrain and AMA Education System serving AMA's ICT programs in the Arab Region. AMA Computer Learning Center (ACLC College) offers shorter Information Technology-related programs. ABE International Business College offers Business Administration, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Tourism, and Information Technology. St. Augustine School of Nursing offers short medicine-related programs like caregiving. Norwegian Maritime Academy offers maritime-related courses like marine engineering. AMA School of Medicine offers medicine-related courses like nursing. AMA Basic Education offers basic education programs. Delta Air International Aviation Academy offers studies in aviation.

Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). Photography via Wikimedia Commons.