The establishment of Universitas Medan Area (UMA) is a testament to the commitment to the Indonesian Constitution of 1945, particularly its mandate to educate the nation’s life. UMA serves as a channel for the evolving aspirations and desires of the community to access higher education. Named to honor the valor of the “Medan Area Fighters” who defended Indonesia’s independence around the city of Medan, UMA embodies the spirit of resilience and patriotism.
UMA commenced its academic journey in the 1983-1984 academic year with five faculties: Engineering, Agriculture, Economics, Law, and Social and Political Sciences. Each faculty initially operated with provisional permits, offering bachelor’s degree programs (S1). By mid-1984, all faculties had attained registered status, formalized by the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture’s Decree No. 054/0/1984 dated March 6, 1984.
The academic year 1985/1986 marked the addition of the Faculty of Psychology, the only such faculty outside Java at that time, accommodating 204 students in its inaugural year. In the 1988/1989 academic year, UMA further expanded with the establishment of the Faculty of Biology, which later evolved into the Faculty of Science and Technology in 2021, housing the Biology study program.
Institutional Accreditation and Growth of Universitas Medan Area
In 2018, UMA achieved institutional accreditation with a “B” grade, valid until December 19, 2023, under SK No. 414/SK/BAN-PT/Akred/PT/XII/2018. This accreditation underscores UMA’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards.
Presently, UMA boasts eight faculties with 17 undergraduate programs (S1), five master’s programs (S2), and one doctoral program (S3). These faculties—Engineering, Agriculture, Economics, Law, Social and Political Sciences, Psychology, Science and Technology, and Islamic Studies—are all accredited by BAN-PT, with grades ranging from “A” to “Baik.”
Graduate Programs and Innovations
UMA’s journey into postgraduate education began in 2000 with the Master of Public Administration (MAP) program, now accredited “B”. In 2003, UMA introduced two more master’s programs: Master of Agribusiness (accredited “A”) and Master of Law (accredited “B”). In 2008, the Master of Psychology program was launched, also earning a “B” accreditation from BAN-PT.
In 2020, UMA broke new ground by introducing a Doctoral Program in Agricultural Sciences, making it the only private university in North Sumatra to offer a doctoral program. The following year, UMA expanded further by launching a new Faculty of Islamic Studies and a Master of Management program, both accredited “Baik” by BAN-PT.
Vision and Mission
UMA envisions becoming an excellent university by 2035, excelling in academics, science, and technology, and producing innovative, professional, and well-rounded graduates.
To achieve this vision, UMA is committed to:
- Providing education based on technology and information, incorporating the latest knowledge, skills, and values.
- Developing, creating, and disseminating useful scientific knowledge and technology through national and international research.
- Fostering professional entrepreneurial skills.
- Engaging in collaboration and community service.
Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
UMA’s undergraduate programs span across various faculties:
- Faculty of Psychology
- Faculty of Economics and Business
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Isipol)
- Faculty of Science and Technology
- Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Islamic Studies
The master’s programs include:
- Master of Psychology
- Master of Law
- Master of Public Administration
- Master of Agribusiness
- Master of Management
The doctoral program offered is:
- Doctor of Agricultural Sciences
Universitas Medan Area stands as a beacon of higher education in Indonesia, continually evolving to meet the educational needs of its community. Its commitment to excellence, innovation, and professional development ensures that UMA remains a pivotal institution in shaping the nation’s future leaders and professionals.
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