University of Saint Joseph

West Hartford, CT

private nonprofitgraduate

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Quick Facts

“Tradition, Innovation and Vision”

1996

Founded

Private

Type

1,800

Total Students

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of Saint Joseph

A unique Catholic university in Macau, blending centuries of tradition with modern innovation.

The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) offers a distinctive educational journey rooted in a remarkable 400-year legacy of Catholic higher education in Asia. Established in 1996, USJ proudly carries forward a tradition of academic excellence that began with the Colégio de Macau in 1594, positioning itself as a vital academic hub in and for Macao and Greater China. Jointly organized by the Catholic University of Portugal and the Diocese of Macau, USJ fosters strong structural, academic, and social bonds across the region and beyond.

Prospective students will discover a vibrant learning environment committed to post-graduate teaching, research, and professional training across the liberal arts, social sciences, and technological sciences. USJ's mission is deeply integrated with its location, serving as a private Catholic university intimately connected to Macau, Portugal, and mainland China. The curriculum is designed to be dynamic, with new courses regularly added to ensure alignment with the latest academic and scientific advancements globally.

USJ provides a comprehensive range of programs, from certificates and diplomas to licentiate (undergraduate/bachelor's), master's, and doctoral degrees. Beyond traditional disciplines, the university excels in language programs, offering instruction in Putonghua (Mandarin), Portuguese, Japanese, French, and English, reflecting its international outlook and the diverse linguistic landscape of Macau. With an enrollment of 1,800 students, USJ cultivates an engaging and globally aware community, preparing graduates for impactful roles in an interconnected world.

Key Highlights

✦A private Catholic university in Macau, China, with an enrollment of 1,800 students.
✦Founded in 1996, it formally resumed a 400-year tradition of Catholic higher education in Asia.
✦Motto: Tradition, Innovation and Vision, guiding its educational philosophy.
✦Offers a wide range of academic programs, from undergraduate to doctoral degrees across diverse fields.
✦Provides extensive language programs, including Mandarin, Portuguese, Japanese, French, and English.
✦Jointly organized by the Catholic University of Portugal and the Diocese of Macau.
✦Gained permission in 2021 to recruit students directly from Mainland China for the first time.

Timeline

1594

Catholic higher education in Asia began with the founding of the Colégio de Macau.

1728

Part of the Colégio's teaching was transferred to the Seminário de São Jose.

1968

A 28-year break in the teaching of theology, philosophy, and religious studies began at Seminário de São Jose.

1996

Macau Inter-University Institute (IIUM) was founded, marking the formal resumption of the 400-year tradition. The break at Seminário de São Jose also ended.

2006

Macau Inter-University Institute (IIUM) was officially renamed the University of Saint Joseph (USJ).

2017

The university moved its main campus building to Ilha Verde.

2020

Rev'd Prof Stephen Morgan DPhil(Oxon) was installed as the university's fourth Rector.

2021

The University announced permission to recruit students from Mainland China for the first time.

🏛️

30 Years

of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within University of Saint Joseph

🏫

Faculty of Religious Studies and Philosophy

A faculty continuing the historical tradition of theology, philosophy, and religious studies, housed at the Seminary campus.

🔬

Institute of Science and Environment

An institute hosted at the NAPE campus, focusing on scientific and environmental studies.

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