Saint Monica University
Saint Monica University, also known as Saint Monica University: The American International University (SMU), is a distinguished private independent Catholic institution located in Cameroon. Established in 2012, the university follows an American-style approach to education, offering a diverse range of career-focused programs that integrate liberal arts, science, and technology. SMU is committed to providing educational opportunities that foster intellectual, social, entrepreneurial, and professional development for its diverse student population.
Contents
Educational Offerings
Saint Monica University operates both on-campus in Cameroon and online, delivering Bachelor's, Master's, and doctoral programs. The university comprises four schools:
- School of Arts, Education & Humanities (SAEH)
- School of Business and Public Policy (SBPP)
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology (SSET)
- School of Health & Human Services (SHHS)
- In addition to these schools, SMU has specialized institutes, including the Institute for Ethics, Democracy, and Human Rights (IEDHR), Institute for Sustainable Development & Entrepreneurship (ISDE), and Institute of Biodiversity and Non-profit Studies (IBiNS).
Evolution and History
The roots of SMU trace back to 2001 when a group of American intellectuals originally from Cameroon envisioned the establishment of a U.S.-style university in Cameroon. In 2009, the Professional Training Center (PTC) became operational in Bamenda, Cameroon, focusing on sustainable energy training, particularly solar energy. In 2012, the PTC evolved into Saint Monica University, incorporated in Hawaii as a non-profit institution offering Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral programs.
SMU received authorization to operate in Cameroon in 2012, operating under the name Saint Monica University (SMU) Higher Institute. To expand its global footprint, SMU formed a partnership with the Academy for International Science and Research (AISR) in Derry, Northern Ireland, establishing SMU's UK campus.
The main campus, known as "Civitas Dei" or "The City of God," is located in the Bulu neighborhood in Buea, Cameroon.
Accreditation and Recognition
Saint Monica University holds accreditation from the United Kingdom-based Accreditation Service for International Colleges (ASIC) and is also accredited by the National Commission on Private Higher Education in Cameroon. These accreditations affirm SMU's compliance with the necessary standards to function as a reputable institution of higher education.
Global Collaborations and Affiliations
SMU has cultivated partnerships and affiliations with prominent institutions worldwide, including Central State University in the USA, University of Applied Sciences in Germany, Astrakhan State Technical University in Russia, and Mahatma Gandhi University in India, among others. The university's collaborations extend its global reach, facilitating academic exchanges and enhancing the quality of education.
Membership in Prestigious Associations
Saint Monica University stands out as the only private university in Cameroon with membership in the UNESCO-based International Association of Universities (IAU). Additionally, it is listed in the World Higher Education Database. SMU is one of approximately 19 international members of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), an organization for small and mid-sized, independent liberal arts colleges and universities in the U.S. The university is also a member of the Global Universities In Distance Education (GUIDE) Association, fostering international cooperation in open and distance learning.
Recognition and Education Partnerships
SMU is recognized as an education partner of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the world's largest anti-fraud organization. This collaboration signifies the university's commitment to providing anti-fraud training and education on a global scale.
In summary, Saint Monica University has emerged as a reputable institution, blending American-style education with a commitment to global collaboration, ethical education, and academic excellence. Its diverse programs and strategic partnerships position it as a key player in higher education in Cameroon and beyond.
