Choosing where to pursue higher education is one of the most significant decisions that will shape your future, influencing the quality of your education, the career path you follow, and even the people you encounter. In information science and computing, selecting the best college for an IT program is paramount to developing a strong skill set that sets you on the path to career success.

This quick guide breaks down the most important factors to consider when choosing an information technology school, and why institutions like Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (MCM) stand out.

1. Start with Academic Credibility and Global Benchmarks

The first question to ask is simple but critical: Is the school recognized for academic quality beyond local borders? Strong information science programs are often aligned with global benchmarks—international rankings, external audits, and quality assurance systems that go beyond minimum compliance. These indicators suggest that a school measures its IT college courses against global peers, not just local standards.

Look for institutions that actively participate in global university rankings and assessments. Recognition in frameworks such as international impact rankings, innovation-focused university lists, or quality star ratings signals that a school’s teaching, research, and governance meet globally accepted criteria.

Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) has demonstrated global recognition by earning an overall 3-Star rating in its first participation in the internationally recognized QS Stars Rating System. This comprehensive, evidence-based framework evaluates institutional strengths across key areas, including learning experience, employability, sustainability, and governance. Achieving this distinction underscores the institution’s rapid ascent and commitment to world-class, outcomes-based education in Mindanao.

Mapúa MCM also secures international recognition in innovation, joining the Global Top 400 at Rank 295 in the 2025 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), affirming its status as the top-performing Higher Education Institution (HEI) in the Davao Region. The institution also debuted in the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, recognized for its contributions to three UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

  • SDG 5: Gender Equality
  • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

At Mapúa MCM, this consistent presence in international assessments reflects a deliberate push toward measurable excellence, sustainability impact, and outcomes-based education, alongside the goal to provide globalized learning.

2. Examine the Depth and Focus of Information Science Programs

Not all “IT” or “information science” degrees are created equal. A strong school should offer clearly differentiated programs, each designed for a specific career trajectory rather than a one-size-fits-all curriculum. The best colleges for information science courses articulate precisely why each program exists and what kind of professional it produces.

Mapúa MCM’s College of Computer and Information Science (CCIS) ensures that its curriculum is designed to produce professionals who embody creative, technical, and analytical faculties for nation-building. For instance:

  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS): This Mapúa MCM program is dedicated to preparing students to become computer scholars who focus on the theoretical and algorithmic foundations of computing. Students are equipped with the complete tools for planning, analyzing, and developing algorithms, computer systems, and software applications for Windows, web, and mobile platforms.

    Graduates are expected to articulate expertise in formulating and solving problems using mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the design and development of computer-based systems and processes.

  • Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS): Designed for students interested in bridging business and technology, this IT college course by Mapúa MCM BSIS prepares them to be IT professionals and experts in the design and implementation of information systems. The focus is specifically on leveraging business technology for strategic advantage.

    The curriculum includes a significant business component, preparing students to manage the infrastructure of information and communications technology, data, and enterprise-wide information processing systems.

  • Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (BSEMC): This program, specializing in Game Development, combines art and technology. It prepares students to become game development professionals with specialized knowledge in designing, developing, and producing digital games and tools, and in managing these creative projects.

    This Mapúa MCM track leads to careers that utilize both technical and creative skills, such as Game Developer, 3D Artist/Animator, Virtual Reality (VR) Developer, Visual Effects Artist, and User Experience (UX) Designer.

Because the CCIS at Mapúa MCM provides this clarity and focuses on distinct career outcomes, it offers holistic, hands-on training that balances arts, science, and technology. This intentional IT college course design helps students avoid the common pitfall of graduating with skills that are too broad or outdated, ensuring they are equipped with the specialized knowledge.

3. Prioritize Outcomes-Based and Skills-Driven Learning

In technology-driven fields, what you can do matters more than what you can memorize. That’s why outcomes-based education (OBE) is a major differentiator when choosing an information science school.

An outcomes-based approach ensures that:

  • Courses are designed around demonstrable skills, not just content coverage
  • Assessments measure real competencies such as coding, systems analysis, design thinking, and problem-solving
  • Curricula are regularly reviewed and updated to match industry needs

Mapúa MCM adopts an Outcomes-Based Education framework that emphasizes continuous improvement. This means students are trained to meet clearly defined learning outcomes, ensuring they graduate with competencies that are both current and measurable.

4. Look for Strong Digital Infrastructure and Learning Flexibility

Information science students need more than classrooms—they need robust digital ecosystems. Learning platforms, laboratories, collaboration tools, and hybrid setups all shape how effectively students build technical skills.

A future-ready school should offer:

  • Modern computer laboratories and specialized software
  • Learning management systems that support self-paced and guided learning
  • Flexible learning models that combine face-to-face, synchronous online, and asynchronous learning

Mapúa MCM’s hybrid learning approach allows students to engage with content in multiple ways without compromising academic rigor. This flexibility is especially valuable in tech education, where independent practice and iterative learning are essential.

5. Evaluate Industry Relevance and Real-World Exposure

One of the most overlooked criteria when choosing a school is how closely the curriculum mirrors real-world practice. The best IT colleges in the Philippines don’t wait until graduation to introduce industry realities.

Ask:

  • Are there project-based courses tied to real problems?
  • Do students work with current tools, frameworks, and platforms used in industry?
  • Are internships, capstone projects, or applied research integrated into the program?

Mapúa MCM emphasizes applied learning, ensuring that students don’t just learn concepts but practice implementing solutions—whether through systems design, software development, data-driven projects, or multimedia production.

6. Consider Research and Innovation

In information science, innovation is expected. Schools that support undergraduate research, experimentation, and interdisciplinary projects give students a significant edge.

Recognition in innovation-focused rankings and research impact assessments suggests that an institution values:

  • Problem-solving beyond the classroom
  • Technology as a tool for social and economic impact
  • Collaboration across disciplines

Mapúa MCM’s inclusion in global innovation and impact rankings reflects its commitment to research-driven education—an important signal for students who want to move into advanced roles, graduate studies, or innovation-led careers.

Your Path to a Future-Ready Tech Career Starts Here

Choosing an information science school is a strategic decision—one that shapes how prepared you’ll be for a fast-changing digital world. Institutions that combine global standards, rigorous programs, and real-world learning give you a clear advantage.

The best information science school in the Philippines is one that balances academic rigor, global relevance, industry alignment, and student-centered learning. It prepares you not just for your first job, but for a career that will evolve over decades.

By these standards, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao positions itself as a strong choice for students who want:

  • Globally benchmarked education and innovation
  • Clearly defined, future-ready computing programs
  • Skills-driven, outcomes-based learning
  • Flexibility without sacrificing quality

Ready to take the next step and pursue a future where you can apply technology, business acumen, and computer science theory? Explore IT programs in the Philippines with Mapúa MCM today!