Mindanao University of Science and Technology

Mindanao University of Science and Technology is a state university in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines.

The history of Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST) is long and rich, dating back to 1927. Established in that year as the Mindanao School of Arts and Trades in Cagayan de Oro City, the institution was originally a vocational school designed to train students in various trades and skills, reflecting the need for skilled labor in the region. During World War II, the school faced significant challenges and was closed, remaining inactive until its reopening in 1946. This period marked a fresh start, allowing the institution to rebuild and resume its mission of providing vocational training and education to the community.

Following the war, the school was renamed the Mindanao Institute of Technology and began to expand its programs and offerings. By 1956, it achieved university status, officially becoming the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST). This transition allowed it to broaden its academic scope and offer a wider range of degree programs, which contributed to its growth throughout the 1960s and 1970s, including the establishment of new campuses across Mindanao. In the 1970s, the university underwent a significant merger with the Mindanao Institute of Technology in Butuan City, forming the Mindanao State University (MSU). However, in 1982, it regained its independence and separated from MSU, allowing it to refocus on its unique identity and mission. The 1990s and early 2000s saw a period of transformation, as MUST concentrated on enhancing its academic programs and facilities to better serve its students.

Recent developments in 2016 included another merger, this time with the Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology (MOSCAT), resulting in the formation of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP). This merger enabled MUST to continue its growth and development, as it now offers a wider array of programs and services to students and the community. Today, the institution is recognized as a leading university in the Philippines, dedicated to providing quality education and training to its students. Its commitment to academic excellence and community development continues to play a vital role in the progress of the region, preparing students to meet the challenges of the future.