Curious about where Mexico’s future leaders are forged? Right here stands the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México ITAM. This private university in Mexico City is a powerhouse of social sciences. It is also a significant think tank.
Originally, ITAM was simply an Economics School. This was back in 1946. One year later, they added an undergraduate business school. The Accounting School opened soon after. Student numbers jumped from 52 in 1947 to 500 in 1951. This growth showed ITAM’s rising prominence.
The government recognized ITAM as a Free University School in 1963. It also gained the word autonomous in its name. However official recognition of autonomous was delayed until 1985. The 1970s saw new programs added. Applied mathematics and social science arrived. A Master of Business Administration MBA program was created. Law, actuarial science, and computer science followed in the 1980s. Political science and international relations joined in the early 90s. Telematics and industrial engineering rounded out the decade. Business engineering, financial management and mechatronics were added later. ITAM kept pace with the changing needs of Mexico.
During its early years, ITAM moved around Mexico City. It started in a house on La Palma street. Then it relocated to Serapio Rendón street in Colonia San Rafael. A purpose-built building on Marina Nacional street followed. Finally in 1978, ITAM found its permanent home here on Río Hondo. A smaller graduate school campus opened later on Camino Santa Teresa.
Over its history, ITAM has been guided by several rectors. Arturo Fernández Pérez has served as rector since 1992. Before him were Javier Beristain Iturbide, Antonio Carrillo Flores and Joaquín Gómez Morín. Enrique Moreno de Tagle, Gustavo Petricioli Iturbide and Agustín de la Llera also held the position. Each rector left their mark on the institution.
Today, ITAM offers 38 academic programs. They are organized into five academic divisions. These divisions include 14 academic departments. ITAM provides bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees. It also offers a Ph.D. program.
The Department of Economics has been especially influential. It feeds Latin American candidates into top global graduate programs. ITAM played a key role in Mexico’s economic liberalization. Many of Mexico’s finance secretaries are ITAM professors or alumni. The Department of Political Science is also highly regarded. Its program adapted to modern American political science. Mathematics, economics and statistics became important tools. Many of its graduates are recruited by leading universities. Others find jobs in government and political parties.
ITAM prides itself on teaching humanities in every major. This fosters ethics. The goal is to develop well-rounded graduates. All ITAM programs are accredited. The Business School was first in Mexico. It held accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS. This is a testament to ITAM’s commitment to quality.
ITAM has 239 professors and researchers. Most are full-time. A high percentage hold graduate degrees. Some have a Ph.D. Many professors are part of Sistema Nacional de Investigadores. ITAM collaborates with international institutions. These include SciencesPo and Tulane University. ITAM also partners with the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Some notable individuals have received Honoris Causa degrees from ITAM. These include David Rockefeller and Arnold Harberger. Miguel Mancera and Pedro Aspe Armella are also recipients. Plácido Arango was also honored.
ITAM houses several research centers. These focus on economics, law and political science. Centers include CAIE, CEAPP and CEAL. CIE and IEIE are also important.
Many prominent Mexicans are ITAM alumni. Felipe Calderón Hinojosa was the 56th President of Mexico. Agustín Carstens Carstens is General Manager of the Bank of International Settlements. José Antonio Meade Kuribreña was a presidential nominee. Luis Videgaray Caso served as Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Countless others have shaped Mexico’s government and business.
Here at ITAM, students learn to shape a freer, fairer and more prosperous Mexico.