University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) – School of Management

Introduction to the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P)

The University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) is one of the Philippines’ most distinctive private universities, known for its strong emphasis on ethics, leadership formation, and liberal education integrated with professional training. Established in 1967 as the Center for Research and Communication (CRC) and later granted university status in 1995, UA&P has built a reputation for producing graduates who excel not only in technical competence but also in character and values-driven leadership.

Located in Ortigas Center, Pasig City, UA&P benefits from its proximity to major business districts such as Makati, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), and Ortigas itself. This strategic location allows close collaboration with corporations, financial institutions, family-owned enterprises, and multinational firms operating in Metro Manila.

Among UA&P’s academic units, the School of Management (SoM) stands out as its flagship school. It is particularly recognized for its undergraduate and graduate business programs that emphasize humanistic management, ethical decision-making, and long-term value creation.

Overview of UA&P School of Management

The UA&P School of Management (SoM) is designed for students who aspire to become business leaders grounded in integrity, social responsibility, and professional excellence. Unlike many business schools that focus primarily on quantitative and technical skills, UA&P SoM integrates philosophy, ethics, and the social sciences into its management education.

The School of Management caters to:

• Undergraduate students pursuing management and entrepreneurship degrees

• Graduate students aiming for advanced leadership roles

• Professionals seeking executive education and leadership development

UA&P SoM places strong emphasis on personal mentoring, small class sizes, and holistic formation, ensuring that students receive individualized guidance throughout their academic journey.

Educational Philosophy and Values-Based Management

A defining feature of UA&P School of Management is its values-based educational philosophy. Business education at UA&P is rooted in the belief that management is not merely a technical function but a moral and human endeavor.

Key principles include:

• Ethical leadership: Decisions must consider long-term consequences for people and society

• Human dignity: Employees, customers, and stakeholders are viewed as persons, not just resources

• Sustainable value creation: Profit is important, but it must align with social responsibility

• Personal formation: Character development is as essential as academic performance

This approach resonates strongly with students who seek purpose-driven careers in management, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Undergraduate Programs at UA&P School of Management

UA&P School of Management offers several highly regarded undergraduate programs, all designed to prepare students for leadership roles in business, family enterprises, and entrepreneurial ventures.

Bachelor of Science in Management (BSM)

The BS in Management program is UA&P’s flagship undergraduate degree. It provides a solid foundation in:

• General management

• Finance and accounting

• Marketing and strategy

• Organizational behavior and leadership

Students are also exposed to liberal arts subjects, philosophy, and ethics, ensuring well-rounded intellectual development. The program emphasizes case studies, group projects, and real-world business problem-solving.

Bachelor of Science in Management Engineering (BS ME)

The BS in Management Engineering program is designed for analytically inclined students who want to combine business leadership with quantitative rigor. It integrates:

• Operations research

• Data analysis

• Financial modeling

• Systems thinking

Graduates of this program are highly sought after in consulting, finance, operations management, and strategic planning roles.

Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship

UA&P is particularly known for its strength in entrepreneurship education. The BS in Entrepreneurship program focuses on:

• New venture creation

• Family business management

• Innovation and opportunity recognition

• Business ethics and governance

Students are encouraged to develop and launch actual business ideas, often with mentorship from industry practitioners and successful entrepreneurs.

Graduate Programs and Advanced Management Education

In addition to undergraduate offerings, UA&P School of Management provides graduate-level programs designed for professionals and aspiring executives.

Master in Management (MM)

The Master in Management program is tailored for early- to mid-career professionals seeking to enhance their leadership and managerial skills. The curriculum focuses on:

• Strategic thinking

• Leadership and people management

• Financial decision-making

• Ethics and corporate governance

The program emphasizes discussion-based learning, case analysis, and practical application.

Master in Management major in Industrial Economics

This specialized program combines management education with a deep understanding of economic policy, industry analysis, and market regulation. It is particularly relevant for professionals working in:

• Public policy

• Regulatory bodies

• Economic research

• Corporate strategy

Executive Education and Short Programs

UA&P School of Management also offers executive education programs for senior leaders, family business owners, and corporate executives. These programs focus on:

• Leadership development

• Corporate governance

• Family business succession

• Values-driven decision-making

They are typically delivered in flexible formats suitable for working professionals.

Faculty and Academic Excellence

The faculty at UA&P School of Management is composed of:

• Full-time academics with advanced degrees from leading global universities

• Industry practitioners with extensive real-world experience

• Researchers actively engaged in policy, economics, and business studies

Faculty members are known for their approachable mentoring style and commitment to student development. Small class sizes allow meaningful interaction between students and professors, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Industry Connections and Career Opportunities

UA&P School of Management maintains strong ties with the Philippine business community. Its graduates can be found in:

• Multinational corporations

• Top Philippine conglomerates

• Consulting firms

• Family-owned enterprises

• Startups and entrepreneurial ventures

The school’s location in Ortigas enables frequent:

• Guest lectures from industry leaders

• Company visits and immersion programs

• Internships and corporate partnerships

Career development is supported through mentoring, alumni networking, and professional development activities.

UA&P Alumni Network and Leadership Impact

UA&P’s alumni network is relatively small compared to larger universities, but it is known for its strong sense of community and influence. Many alumni hold leadership positions in:

• Banking and finance

• Manufacturing and retail

• Technology and startups

• Education and public service

Graduates often cite UA&P’s emphasis on values and ethics as a key differentiator that shapes their professional decisions and leadership style.

Campus Environment and Student Life

UA&P’s campus offers a quiet, focused, and professional atmosphere conducive to serious academic work. While it may not have the large-scale facilities of bigger universities, it compensates with:

• Personalized academic support

• Close-knit student community

• Regular formation activities and seminars

Student organizations related to business, entrepreneurship, leadership, and service provide opportunities for personal growth beyond the classroom.

Admission Standards and Student Profile

Admission to UA&P School of Management is selective. The school looks for students who demonstrate:

• Academic competence

• Leadership potential

• Strong ethical grounding

• Motivation for lifelong learning

Applicants typically undergo entrance examinations, interviews, and assessments that evaluate both intellectual ability and personal character.

UA&P School of Management in the Philippine Business Education Landscape

Within the Philippine higher education system, UA&P School of Management occupies a unique niche. It may not be the largest or most widely known institution, but it is highly respected among employers who value:

• Ethical leadership

• Strategic thinking

• Strong communication skills

• Integrity and professionalism

UA&P is often compared with top business schools in Metro Manila, particularly for students who prioritize values-based education over purely rankings-driven choices.

Why Choose UA&P School of Management?

Students choose UA&P School of Management for several compelling reasons:

• Strong integration of ethics and management education

• Personalized mentoring and small class sizes

• Excellent preparation for leadership and entrepreneurship

• Strong ties to the Philippine business community

• A clear emphasis on purpose-driven careers

For students who aspire to lead organizations responsibly and sustainably, UA&P offers a distinctive and meaningful educational experience.

Conclusion

The University of Asia and the Pacific – School of Management represents a thoughtful alternative to conventional business education. By combining academic rigor, ethical formation, and practical business training, UA&P prepares graduates to become leaders who create long-term value for organizations and society.

For future managers, entrepreneurs, and executives who seek more than technical skills—who want to lead with integrity, clarity, and purpose—UA&P School of Management stands out as one of the Philippines’ most compelling choices for management education.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is UA&P School of Management a good choice for students who want a values-based business education?

Yes. UA&P School of Management is widely recognized in the Philippines for integrating ethics, leadership formation, and professional competence. The learning experience is designed to develop not only business skills, but also personal character, sound judgment, and a strong sense of responsibility. If you are looking for a school that treats management as a human and moral discipline—rather than only a technical one—UA&P is often considered a strong fit.

Where is the University of Asia and the Pacific located, and why does the location matter?

UA&P is located in Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila. This matters because Ortigas is a major business district with many corporate headquarters, banks, consulting firms, and professional service companies nearby. The location can support internship opportunities, corporate exposure, and industry partnerships. It also makes the campus relatively accessible from nearby areas such as Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Makati, and Taguig.

What undergraduate programs are commonly associated with UA&P School of Management?

UA&P School of Management is strongly associated with undergraduate degrees such as Bachelor of Science in Management, Management Engineering, and Entrepreneurship. While the exact program list and curriculum details can evolve, the School of Management generally focuses on building a strong foundation in core business disciplines (strategy, finance, marketing, operations, and leadership) while maintaining a strong liberal education component that supports critical thinking and communication skills.

How is UA&P’s approach different from other business schools in the Philippines?

UA&P is known for emphasizing “humanistic” or values-driven management. In practice, this means students are expected to think about long-term value creation, ethical consequences, and stakeholder impact, not only short-term metrics. Many students also highlight the school’s mentoring culture and relatively small community, which can lead to more personalized guidance. This environment can appeal to students who learn best with close faculty interaction and structured formation.

Does UA&P School of Management focus on entrepreneurship and family business?

Yes, entrepreneurship is a notable strength of UA&P’s management education, and the school is often discussed in connection with enterprise development and long-term business building. Students interested in starting a venture, joining a family business, or working in growth-focused roles may find the entrepreneurship-oriented training and business mindset valuable. The emphasis is usually not only on launching a business but also on building a sustainable organization with good governance and responsible practices.

What kind of student tends to thrive at UA&P School of Management?

Students who do well at UA&P typically have a strong academic foundation, but also demonstrate maturity, curiosity, and openness to personal development. Because the School of Management places importance on character and leadership formation, students who are willing to reflect, improve communication skills, and take responsibility for their growth often thrive. It can also be a good environment for students who prefer smaller class settings and structured learning communities.

Is UA&P School of Management only for students who want to work in big corporations?

No. While many graduates do enter corporate roles in banking, consumer goods, technology, consulting, and other industries, UA&P can also serve students aiming for entrepreneurship, social enterprise, or leadership in family-run businesses. The School of Management’s framework—strategy, ethics, leadership, and execution—can be applied across many career paths. Your direction will depend on your interests, internships, and how you build skills during your time in university.

How competitive is admission to UA&P, and what qualities are usually assessed?

Admission is generally selective. Applicants are commonly evaluated through entrance exams and other screening steps such as interviews or assessments. Beyond grades, the school typically looks for evidence of leadership potential, communication ability, and alignment with the university’s educational culture. Students who can clearly express their goals, show readiness for academic rigor, and demonstrate maturity may have an advantage in the admissions process.

What are the typical learning methods used in UA&P School of Management?

Students can expect a mix of lectures, discussions, case studies, group projects, presentations, and practical applications. Business education often involves collaborative work, where students learn to solve problems with peers and communicate ideas clearly. Because UA&P emphasizes leadership and professional formation, students may also experience mentoring, feedback-oriented activities, and learning experiences that strengthen values-based decision-making.

Does UA&P offer graduate or professional programs related to management?

Yes. UA&P is known to offer graduate-level management education and professional development programs designed for working professionals. These programs are typically aimed at improving strategic thinking, leadership skills, and business decision-making. Availability, schedules, and program structure can change, so prospective students should check the official UA&P channels for the most current graduate program offerings and admission cycles.

How can international students evaluate whether UA&P is the right fit?

International students should evaluate UA&P by comparing academic goals, learning environment, and lifestyle needs. Consider factors such as program content, language of instruction, support services, cost of living in Metro Manila, commuting options, and campus community. It is also helpful to review alumni outcomes and internship pathways. If possible, speak with admissions staff to confirm requirements and to clarify documentation or visa-related questions.

What should prospective applicants do before applying to UA&P School of Management?

Start by identifying your preferred program and clarifying your career direction—corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, or family business. Strengthen your academic profile, build leadership experiences through organizations or projects, and prepare for entrance exams and interviews. It is also useful to reflect on why UA&P’s values-based approach matches your goals, because applicants who can clearly communicate fit and intention often perform better during admissions screening.

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