The Michoacan University of San Nicolas of Hidalgo (UMSNH) is a public university in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico founded in 1540 as a religious institution which later became a public institution in 1847 and was finally established as a university in 1917. The university gained the royal seal and patronage in 1543. In 1566, colonial religious authorities took over the school, and in 1574, academics began to be under the jurisdiction of the Jesuits.
The school was reformed in the 17th Century and its curriculum was redesigned in the 18th Century to include courses in philosophy, religious law, civil law and other subjects. At the end of the 18th century, the school became one of New Spain’s main centers of learning and academia, producing scholars that later had a crucial role in the Mexican war of independence.
The school closed during the war but was reopened in 1847 focusing more on secular studies such as chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology, based on the European university model. After the Mexican revolution, the school was reorganised and renamed again to the Michoacanan University of San Nicolas of Hidalgo (Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo), which consolidated a number of other schools and disciplines into the new organisation.
The university has several campuses located in Morelia, Ciudad Hidalgo and Apatzingan that strive to provide quality education with a mission to contribute to the social, economic, political, scientific, technological, artistic and cultural development of Michoacán, Mexico and the world. The university offers degrees in health sciences, economic administrative sciences, law, exact sciences, metallurgy and materials, humanities, engineering and architecture, agricultural biological sciences and agricultural sciences at the undergraduate level.
In addition to the above, UMSNH offers 52 postgraduate programmes as part of the quality standard known as PNPC of the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT). Among the accredited postgraduate programmes are the 21 doctorates, 30 masters and one specialty programme. During their studies, highly qualified professors, who are members of the National System of Researchers are there to support students, making it easier for the new graduates to collaborate with local and international peers.
In the surrounding areas of Morelia, you will find stunning scenery like Los Azufres, where you can take a dip in its hot springs or take a quiet horseback ride. Built with the characteristic pink stone of the region, its monuments reveal the flawless and eclectic fusion of the medieval spirit with Renaissance, Baroque and neoclassical elements. Morelia is also home to one of the most important film festivals in the world.
