Article by: Marco R. Sunga and Lorrieza C. Punzalan
Graphics by: John Aaron U. Marasigan
Bonded by their commitment to innovation, Mapúa University (MU) and Arizona State University (ASU) continue to strengthen their partnership through the ASU Pathways program, enabling Mapúans to earn dual degrees and gain access to world-class educational resources in just four years.
In an interview with The New Builder ASU Vice President (VP) of Global Academic Initiatives Julia Rosen shared insights on how both universities plan to bring the world-class quality education vision to life. “ASU was one of the earliest high-quality universities in America to develop online programs,” Ms. Rosen stated, highlighting ASU’s extensive experience in online teaching and learning allows them to share curriculum materials through a "content repository." This innovation enables Mapúa professors to integrate American-based educational content while adapting it to be relevant for students in the Philippines.
Beyond academics, the program is also designed to prepare students for global challenges. “ASU is not only a leader in innovation in America. We are number one in sustainability and number one in global impact,” the VP emphasized. She added that by maintaining a curriculum that remains responsive and relevant to worldwide issues, “... we are collectively creating a curriculum that is both innovative and exciting for Mapúa and ASU students.”
To ensure a seamless transition for Mapúa students entering the ASU Pathways program, both universities have meticulously designed the curriculum and study plans. “These pathways are constructed by Mapúa faculty and ASU faculty […] both universities are committed to having project-based learning, learning outside the classroom, bringing an industry into the curriculum." the global initiatives lead explained.
Furthermore, she emphasized the ongoing collaboration between both universities to keep the curriculum dynamic and responsive. “I am not worried about any student who begins at Mapúa adapting to ASU.”
ASU has over 80,000 students on campus, more than 15,000 of whom are international students. Through the ASU Pathways, Mapúans are supported through Filipino student clubs, organizations, and societies, "... the amount of professional opportunity plus the social support will and is, does make ASU an incredible place to go to school." Ms. Rosen stated.
As per the ASU executive, aside from the additional educational materials provided by ASU and its network schools from the ASU-Cintana Alliance network, MU’s faculty are also given the opportunities to conduct studies and build knowledge with other members of the network as well. "It's being part of this rich global community of people who are like-minded universities who are committed to top-tier education for their students and also to transforming and improving the regions in which they operate."
ASU has also introduced its own teaching methods in its partnered programs in health sciences and business, with a curriculum that focuses on talents beyond academics. With real-world applications embedded in the curriculum, “…students in the program are becoming more relevant and more competitive in the marketplace.”
Last October 2024, MU’s E.T. Yuchengco School of Business officially launched its first transnational higher education (TNHE) program with ASU, allowing Filipino students to earn dual degrees and pursue accelerated master's pathways – thus titling it the “Mapúa-ASU Pathways Program.”
ASU remains committed to its collaboration with MU and is well-equipped to deal with any challenges that may arise. With their strong academic foundation and a shared commitment to innovation, the Mapúa-ASU Pathways program is set to provide students with quality education from two prestigious universities, shaping the future of global education.
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