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University of Saint Joseph

West Hartford, CT

private nonprofitgraduate

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

University of Saint Joseph: A private Catholic university in Macau with a 400-year legacy of global education.

The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) is a distinguished private Catholic university nestled in the vibrant city of Macau, China. Guided by its motto, "Tradition, Innovation and Vision," USJ embodies a unique mission: to serve as a beacon of higher learning "in, of, and for Macao, in, of, and for China." Jointly established by the Catholic University of Portugal and the Diocese of Macau, USJ is recognized for its commitment to post-graduate teaching, research, and professional training across the liberal arts and social sciences, all while fostering a global perspective.

USJ's historical roots run deep, tracing back to the Colégio de Macau, founded in 1594, which pioneered Catholic higher education in Asia and educated luminaries such as Matteo Ricci and St Andrew Kim. This rich legacy was further solidified when much of its teaching transitioned to the Seminário de São Jose in 1728, where theology, philosophy, and religious studies continue to be taught today. The formal re-establishment of this venerable tradition occurred in 1996 with the founding of the Macau Inter-University Institute (IUMM), which was subsequently renamed the University of Saint Joseph in 2006.

Academically, USJ offers an expansive array of programs, from humanities to social and technological sciences, catering to students pursuing certificates, diplomas, licentiate (undergraduate), master's, and doctoral degrees. The university also prides itself on its robust language programs, including Putonghua (Mandarin), Portuguese, Japanese, French, and English, preparing students for an interconnected world. With a modern main campus in Ilha Verde, alongside its NAPE and historic Seminary campuses, USJ provides a dynamic learning environment. The university's strong ties to Macau, Portugal, and mainland China, further enhanced by its authorization to recruit mainland Chinese students since 2021, cultivates a diverse and internationally-minded student experience.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Established in 1996, carrying forward a 400-year tradition of Catholic higher education in Macau.
  • ✦A private Catholic university, jointly organized by the Catholic University of Portugal and the Diocese of Macau.
  • ✦Serves approximately 1,800 students across a diverse range of licentiate, master's, and doctoral programs.
  • ✦Offers comprehensive language programs in Putonghua, Portuguese, Japanese, French, and English.
  • ✦Maintains structural, academic, and social bonds with Macau, Portugal, and mainland China.
  • ✦Authorized to recruit students directly from mainland China since 2021, enhancing its international student body.
  • ✦Houses the Faculty of Religious Studies and Philosophy at the historic Seminário de São Jose, continuing centuries-old traditions.

Timeline

1594
Colégio de Macau founded, marking the beginning of Catholic higher education in Asia.
1728
Part of Colégio de Macau's teaching transferred to Seminário de São Jose.
1968
Teaching of theology, philosophy, and religious studies at Seminário de São Jose paused for 28 years.
1996
Macau Inter-University Institute (IIUM) founded, formally resuming the 400-year tradition; teaching at Seminário de São Jose restarted.
2006
IIUM renamed to University of Saint Joseph (USJ).
2017
University moved its main campus building to Ilha Verde.
2020
Rev'd Prof Stephen Morgan installed as the fourth Rector.
2021
University received 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

Hosted at the historic Seminary campus, continuing the teaching of theology, philosophy, and religious studies since 1728 (with a break).

🔬

Institute of Science and Environment

Hosted at the NAPE campus, focusing on scientific and environmental studies.

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