School of Science and Engineering

About School of Science and Engineering

The School of Science and Engineering (SOSE) is a constituent unit of the Ateneo de Manila University, located in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Established to provide undergraduate and graduate education in scientific and technical disciplines, the school functions as a core academic division within the university’s Loyola Heights campus. Its operations are integrated into the broader administrative and academic framework of the Ateneo de Manila University, a private research university governed by the Society of Jesus. The school focuses on the intersection of theoretical scientific research and practical engineering applications, adhering to the university's mission of academic rigor and service to society.

The academic structure of the School of Science and Engineering consists of several departments that oversee specific fields of study. These include the Department of Biology, Department of Chemistry, Department of Environmental Science, Department of Mathematics, and the Department of Physics. Additionally, the school houses the Department of Electronics, Computer, and Communications Engineering, as well as the Department of Information Systems and Computer Science. These departments offer a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees designed to prepare students for professional practice, industrial research, and academic careers. The curriculum is structured to include both foundational theoretical knowledge and laboratory or field-based practical training.

Campus facilities supporting the school are situated within the Ateneo de Manila University grounds in Quezon City. These facilities include specialized laboratories for chemical, biological, and physical sciences, as well as computing centers and engineering workshops. The university maintains a central library system that provides students and faculty with access to scientific journals, technical databases, and research materials. Engineering students utilize dedicated design studios and fabrication spaces, while science students engage in experimental research within facilities equipped for molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and materials science. These physical resources are maintained to support the school’s instruction and research activities.

Accreditation for programs within the Ateneo de Manila University is granted by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the Philippines. Many programs under the School of Science and Engineering have been granted Center of Excellence or Center of Development status by CHED, which recognizes the school’s academic standards, research output, and faculty qualifications. Furthermore, the university maintains institutional accreditation from external bodies, ensuring that its degree programs meet national and international standards for higher education. These designations serve as formal recognition of the school’s adherence to established educational benchmarks in the fields of science and engineering.

Research activity is a primary component of the School of Science and Engineering. Faculty members and students participate in studies covering areas such as biotechnology, disaster risk reduction, materials science, and software engineering. The school operates several research centers and laboratories that facilitate collaboration with government agencies, private industry, and international academic partners. These research initiatives aim to generate data and technical solutions relevant to local and global scientific challenges. The school also hosts regular seminars and academic conferences to disseminate findings and engage with the broader scientific community.

The School of Science and Engineering maintains a curriculum that emphasizes a combination of technical proficiency and the liberal arts tradition inherent to the Ateneo de Manila University. While students focus on specialized technical coursework, they are also required to complete the university’s core curriculum, which includes subjects in philosophy, theology, social sciences, and the humanities. This approach is intended to provide graduates with a broad intellectual foundation alongside their technical expertise. The school’s academic calendar and policies are aligned with the university-wide regulations governing student conduct, faculty tenure, and degree requirements.

Admission to the School of Science and Engineering is conducted through the Ateneo de Manila University’s centralized application process. Prospective students must meet specific academic requirements, including performance in the university entrance examination and a review of their secondary school records. Upon admission, students are assigned to their respective departments based on their chosen degree program. The school also provides academic advising and career support services to assist students in navigating their chosen paths, whether they intend to pursue graduate studies or enter the professional workforce upon graduation.

The school’s historical development is tied to the expansion of the Ateneo de Manila University’s science and engineering capabilities over several decades. As the university transitioned from its traditional focus on the humanities, the School of Science and Engineering was formalized to consolidate its technical departments. Today, the school continues to operate as an integral part of the university, contributing to the institution’s overall academic output and public service initiatives. Its role remains focused on the systematic study of natural phenomena and the application of engineering principles to address technical and social needs.