TLDR: Mapúa University has launched the Philippines’ inaugural Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence Engineering, a four-year program designed to equip students with skills in developing ethical and socially responsible AI systems. This initiative responds to the growing global demand for AI specialists and aims to position the Philippines as a leader in AI innovation.
In a significant stride towards future-proofing its workforce and embracing technological advancements, Mapúa University has officially launched the Philippines’ first-ever Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineering degree. This groundbreaking undergraduate program, commencing in the academic year 2025-2026, is a direct response to the escalating global demand for AI specialists and the transformative impact of AI technologies across industries.
The new four-year, two-term curriculum comprises 205 credit units, meticulously designed to provide both technical depth and a strong academic foundation. It aims to cultivate globally competitive graduates capable of optimizing core AI technologies and leading the development and integration of ethical and socially responsive AI tools and systems.
AI Engineering, as defined by the university, involves teaching computers to think and learn like humans to solve real-world challenges. The interdisciplinary field integrates engineering, computer science, and data science to create intelligent systems for diverse applications, including facial recognition, product recommendations, disease diagnosis, natural disaster prediction, and traffic management.
Dr. Arnold C. Paglinawan, Dean of Mapúa University’s School of Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Engineering, confirmed in an interview that the Bachelor of Science in AI Engineering program is currently exclusive to Mapúa University. Prospective students can apply online and must pass the Mapúa Program Placement Assessment (MPASS). Tuition fees for the program start at P57,000, with no current limit on the number of students, provided they meet the MPASS requirements.
The program’s introduction aligns with global projections on the future of work. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 forecasts AI specialists to be among the top 10 fastest-growing job roles through 2030, with experts predicting that AI and automation will transform 39 percent of workers’ fundamental skills by the same year.
Mapúa’s commitment extends to producing graduates who can drive innovation in critical sectors such as smart cities, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and disaster risk reduction, areas vital for national development. Students in the program will hone skills in coding, mathematics, AI model development, ethical AI design, system integration, generative AI, AI governance, and responsible innovation.
Dean Paglinawan emphasized that ideal candidates for the program are those who enjoy mathematics and computer science, possess curiosity, analytical skills, and a passion for using technology to solve problems. Creativity, adaptability, strong logical and critical thinking, and an affinity for coding and building are also key attributes for success in this field.
This initiative also complements broader national efforts. The Philippines is actively working towards becoming an ASEAN hub for artificial intelligence, with the Department of Trade and Industry rolling out the National AI Strategy Roadmap 2.0. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) plans to invest over ₱2.6 billion in AI projects until 2028, focusing on developing AI applications in disaster risk reduction, healthcare, and mobility, and building infrastructure like the Computing and Archiving Research Environment (COARE) and the AI Virtual Hub.
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Mapúa University’s pioneering AI Engineering program is a strategic move to cultivate a robust AI talent pool, ensuring Filipino professionals are not just adaptable but thrive in the evolving AI-driven global landscape.
