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Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan has opened a College of Computer Studies to cater to the growing interest in information technology (IT) education prompted by domestic and global demand for IT professionals.


The new college has started accepting students for school year 2011-2012 for programs in BS Computer Science and BS Information Systems. The Master in Information Technology will be offered in 2012 and BS Information Technology in 2013.

The Philippines is emerging as the world’s top destination for Business Process Outsourcing in IT-enabled services like customer care and electronic data processing. In 2009, the country overtook India in receiving the largest share of new outsourcing business.

“IT has become very relevant,” says Engr Gerry Doroja, administrator of the Computer Studies cluster which led the effort to set up the new college. “It will be the driver of progress in the future.” With the College of Computer Studies, Doroja hopes to attract more students to take up computing courses.

Currently, IT undergraduate programs account for 10% of total enrolment in universities and colleges in the Philippines. In the next five to ten years, this is expected to grow to 15%. To keep up with the upward trend, regulatory and accreditation bodies have recommended the consolidation of IT education programs into one department or college.

Xavier University is the second Ateneo after Ateneo de Naga to unite its IT programs into a single college. The merger is expected to strengthen its Computer Science department, previously under the College of Engineering, and Information Systems which has replaced the Information Management program under the School of Business and Management.

From the XU College of Computer Studies, Doroja says that students “can expect a good, well-rounded education in IT.” He stressed that IT education is not just about earning good income after graduation, but it is important to consider the formation of the student. Employers want workers with competent technical skills but also with strong moral and spiritual foundation.

Inclusion of formation subjects in the higher years is already being worked out to ensure continuing formation of students from first year to fourth year.

“We want our students to go up the corporate ladder where total formation becomes more important.”

Anyone interested to know more about the College of Computer Studies at Xavier University should contact Engr Doroja at 858 3116 local 1006 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..