Universidad Central del Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador • Founded 1586 • World Rank #2627
Overview
Founded in 1826, the Universidad Central del Ecuador (Central University of Ecuador, Quito) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Quito (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Pichincha.
Officially recognized by the Consejo de Aseguramiento de la Calidad de la Educación Superior del Ecuador (Council for Quality Assurance of Higher Education of Ecuador), Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE) is a coeducational Ecuadorian higher education institution. Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
UCE also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Universidad Central del Ecuador's on-the-ground location and digital channels to engage with the institution. Library access for prospective students is often arranged separately through the main library team.
Academic Details
A quick read on Universidad Central del Ecuador's academic vitals — enrolment counts, faculty makeup, and recognition status. The combination determines class sizes, faculty access, and credential portability.
Degrees
Also posgrados
Other 55 programs
- Accountancy
- Administration
- Agricultural Engineering
- Architecture
- Art Management
- Banking
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Dentistry
- Design
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Sciences
- Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- Food Science
- Geology
- International Law
- Journalism
- Law
- Literature
- Management
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Medicine
- Midwifery
- Mining Engineering
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Performing Arts
- Physical Education
- Physical Therapy
- Political Sciences
- Preschool Education
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Science Education
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Speech Therapy and Audiology
- Statistics
- Technology Education
- Theatre
- Tourism
- Veterinary Science
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Consejo de Aseguramiento de la Calidad de la Educación Superior del Ecuador.
Administration (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Public Administration
Agriculture (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Agronomy
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Agricultural Scientist
- Agronomist
- Farm Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Architecture and Town Planning (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Town Planning
Common Career Paths
- Architect
- Urban Planner
- Interior Designer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arts (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art History
- Ceramic Art
- Dance
- Fine Arts
- Painting and Drawing
- Performing Arts
- Photography
- Sculpture
- Theatre
Biology (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
Common Career Paths
- Biologist
- Lab Technician
- Research Scientist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Chemical Engineering (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemical Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Process Engineer
- Plant Manager
- Materials Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Dentistry (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
Common Career Paths
- Dentist
- Oral Surgeon
- Dental Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
- Finance
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering and Applied Science (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Industrial Design
- Information Technology
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Geology, Mining, Petroleum and Environmental Engineering (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Engineering
- Geology
- Mining Engineering
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Human and Social Sciences (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Political Sciences
- Social Work
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law, Poltical and Social Sciences (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Criminology
- Law
- Political Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Radiology
- Speech Therapy and Audiology
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Philosophy, Letters and Education (Faculty) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Modern Languages
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Teacher Training
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Physical Education (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physical Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Psychology (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Psychologist
- Counsellor
- Clinical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Rehabilitation and Therapy (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
- Speech Therapy and Audiology
Science (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Communication (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Veterinary Science (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Veterinary Science
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Veterinarian
- Animal Health Specialist
- Wildlife Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Universidad Central del Ecuador's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping. Search matches programme names; if you don't see your subject, check the divisions section to locate the relevant faculty.
Bachelor's Degree
65 programmes
At undergraduate level, Universidad Central del Ecuador offers 65 programmes. These bachelor's degrees typically open both direct employment pathways and routes into postgraduate specialisation.
Musical Arts Artes Musicales Music
Plastic Arts - Redesign Artes Plásticas Rediseño Applied Design
Dance Danza
Architecture Carrera de Arquitectura Architecture
Mathematics Matemática Mathematics
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Ciencia de Datos e Inteligencia Artificial Data Science & Analytics
Biological Sciences Ciencias Biológicas Biological Sciences
Engineering in Renewable Natural Resources Ingeniería en Recursos Naturales Renovables General Engineering
Agronomy Agronomía Agriculture
Tourism Turismo Tourism & Leisure
Chemistry - Redesign Química Rediseño Applied Design
Biochemistry and Pharmacy - Redesign Bioquímica y Farmacia Rediseño Applied Design
History Historia History
Political Science Política Politics & International Relations
Sociology Sociología Social & Cultural Studies
Social Work Trabajo Social Social Work
Clinical Psychology Licenciatura en Psicología Clínica Clinical Psychology 9 semesters
Educational Psychology Licenciatura en Psicología Educativa Educational Psychology 10 semesters
Physical Therapy Fisioterapia Health Sciences
Speech-Language Pathology Fonoaudiología Biological Sciences
Occupational Therapy Terapia Ocupacional Rehabilitation Sciences
Prehospital Care Atención Prehospitalaria
Pedagogy of Physical Activity and Sports Pedagogía de la Actividad Física y Deporte Physics & Astronomy
Sports Training Entrenamiento Deportivo Sport and Exercise Science
Petroleum Engineering Ingeniería en Petróleos General Engineering
Environmental Engineering Ingeniería Ambiental General Engineering
Geology Engineering Ingeniería en Geología General Engineering
Mining Engineering Ingeniería en Minas General Engineering
Chemical Engineering Ingeniería Química General Engineering 8 semesters
Bioprocess Engineering Ingeniería en Bioprocesos Law 8 semesters
Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia Veterinary Medicine
Business Administration Administración de Empresas Business Administration 5 years
Public Administration Administración Pública Public Administration 5 years
Accounting and Auditing Contabilidad y Auditoría Accounting 5 years
Economics Economía Economics
Statistics Engineering Ingeniería en Estadística General Engineering
Finance Licenciatura en Finanzas Finance, Banking & Insurance
Medicine Carrera de Medicina Medicine
Nursing Carrera de Enfermería Nursing
Obstetrics Carrera de Obstetricia Medicine
Clinical Laboratory Science Carrera de Laboratorio Clínico Medicine
Medical Imaging and Radiology Carrera de Imagenología y Radiología Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Civil Engineering Ingeniería Civil General Engineering
Industrial Design Diseño Industrial Applied Design
Computer Science Computación Computer Sciences
Information Systems Sistemas de Información Information Systems & Technology
Mechanical Engineering Ingeniería Mecánica General Engineering
Law Carrera de Derecho Law
Police Sciences Carrera de Ciencias Policiales Natural Sciences
Early Childhood Education Educación Inicial Early Childhood Education
Multilingual Education / PINE-EFI Educación Multilingüe / PINE-EFI Education & Teaching
Pedagogy of National and Foreign Languages Pedagogía de los Idiomas Nacionales y Extranjeros Education & Teaching
Psychopedagogy Psicopedagogía Education & Teaching
Pedagogy of History and Social Sciences Pedagogía de la Historia y las Ciencias Sociales History
Pedagogy of Experimental Sciences - Chemistry and Biology Pedagogía de las Ciencias Experimentales - Química y Biología Chemistry
Pedagogy of Experimental Sciences - Computer Science Pedagogía de las Ciencias Experimentales - Informática Computer Sciences
Pedagogy of Experimental Sciences - Mathematics and Physics Pedagogía de las Ciencias Experimentales - Matemáticas y Física Physics & Astronomy
Pedagogy of Language and Literature Pedagogía de la Lengua y Literatura Literature
Basic Education Educación Básica Education & Teaching
Technical Pedagogy of Mechatronics Pedagogía Técnica de la Mecatrónica Mechanical Engineering
Semi-Presential Basic Education Programa de Educación Semipresencial - Educación Básica Education & Teaching
Semi-Presential Early Childhood Education Programa de Educación Semipresencial - Educación Inicial Early Childhood Education
Social Communication Comunicación Social Communication Studies
Dentistry Odontología Dentistry
Scenic Arts - Redesign Artes Escénicas Rediseño Applied Design
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
62 programmes
Universidad Central del Ecuador offers 62 programmes at master's level — postgraduate programmes that deepen a specialism, usually over one to two years after a bachelor's degree.
Master's in Contemporary Directing and Dramaturgy Maestría de Dirección y Dramaturgias Contemporáneas Performing Arts 2 years
Master's in Urban Project and Territory Studies Maestría en Estudios del Proyecto Urbano y del Territorio (MEPUT)
Master's in Sustainable Architecture Maestría en Arquitectura Sostenible (MAS) Architecture
Master's in Architectural Rehabilitation Maestría en Rehabilitación Arquitectónica (MRA) Physiotherapy
Master's in Pure and Applied Mathematics Maestría en Matemáticas Puras y Aplicadas Mathematics
Master's in Conservation Biology Maestría en Biología de la Conservación Biological Sciences
Master's in Microbiology Maestría en Microbiología Microbiology
Master's in Food Science Maestría en Ciencia de los Alimentos Food Science 2 years
Master's in Social Work - Socio-Labor Relations Maestría en Trabajo Social con Mención en Relaciones Sociolaborales Social Work
Master's in Social Work - Systemic Family Therapy Maestría en Trabajo Social con Mención en Terapia Familiar Sistémica Health Sciences
Master's in Psychology - Comprehensive Inclusion in Disability Situations Maestría en Psicología con Mención en Inclusión Integral en Situación de Discapacidad Psychology
Master's in Occupational Safety and Health - Occupational Hazards Maestría en Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional con mención en Riesgos Ocupacionales Public Health
Master's in Psychology - Neurocognition and Learning Maestría en Psicología con mención en Neurocognición y Aprendizaje Psychology
Master's in Psychology - Legal and Forensic Maestría en Psicología con mención en Jurídica y Forense Psychology
Master's in Risk Management - Health Sector Focus Maestría en Gestión de Riesgos con Mención en el Sector Salud Business & Management
Master's in Health Facility Administration - Prehospital Services Focus Maestría en Administración de Establecimientos de Salud con Mención en Servicios de Atención Prehospitalaria
Master's in Sports Training Maestría en Entrenamiento Deportivo Sport and Exercise Science 1 year
Master's in Education - Physical Education and Sports Maestría en Educación con Mención en Educación Física y Deporte Physics & Astronomy 1 year
Master's in Petroleum Engineering - Enhanced Recovery Maestría en Ingeniería de Petróleos con mención en Recuperación Mejorada General Engineering 18 months
Master's in Circular Economy and Sustainable Production Maestría en Economía Circular y Producción Sostenible Economics 18 months
Master's in Occupational Safety and Health Maestría en Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional Public Health 18 months
Master's in Chemical Engineering - Refining and Petrochemistry Maestría en Ingeniería Química, con Mención en Refinación y Petroquímica General Engineering
Master's in Industrial Engineering and Productivity - Comprehensive Management of Industrial Technical Processes Maestría en Ingeniería Industrial y Productividad con Mención en Gestión Integral de Procesos Técnicos Industriales Law
Master's in Tax Administration Maestría en Administración Tributaria 1 year
Master's in Business Administration Maestría en Administración de Empresas Business Administration 1 year
Master's in Finance - Financial Management Maestría en Finanzas con mención en Dirección Financiera Finance, Banking & Insurance 1 year
Master's in Public Management Maestría en Gestión Pública Business & Management 1 year
Master's in Quality Management Systems Maestría en Sistemas de Gestión de Calidad Business & Management 1 year
Master's in Commerce - International Logistics Management Maestría en Comercio con mención en Gestión Logística Internacional Supply Chain & Logistics 1 year
Master's in Social Security, Health Insurance and Pension Systems Maestría en Seguridad Social, Seguros de Salud y Complementarios Previsionales Finance, Banking & Insurance 1 year
Master's in Project Design and Evaluation Maestría en Diseño y Evaluación de Proyectos Applied Design
Master's in Business Management Maestría en Gerencia de Empresas Business & Management
Master's in Civil Engineering - Structural Engineering, Seismic Engineering and Foundations Maestría en Ingeniería Civil - Mención Ingeniería Estructural, Sísmica y de Cimentaciones General Engineering 1 year
Master's in Industrial Engineering - Logistics and Supply Chain Maestría en Ingeniería Industrial - Mención Logística y Cadena de Suministros Supply Chain & Logistics 1 year
Master's in Civil Engineering - Road Engineering and Pavement Maestría en Ingeniería Civil - Mención Ingeniería Vial y de Pavimentos General Engineering 1 year
Master's in Industrial Eco-efficiency Maestría en Ecoeficiencia Industrial 1 year
Master's in Science and Construction Engineering - Strategic BIM Project Management Maestría en Ciencias e Ingeniería de la Construcción - Mención Gestión Estratégica de Proyectos BIM General Engineering 1 year
Master's in Hydraulic Engineering, Water Systems and Sustainable Water Management Maestría en Ingeniería Hidráulica, Sistemas Hidrosanitarios y Gestión Sostenible del Agua General Engineering 1 year
Master's in Civil Engineering - Geotechnical Engineering and Integrated Risk Management Maestría en Ingeniería Civil - Mención Ingeniería Geotécnica y Gestión Integral de Riesgos General Engineering 1 year
Master's in Civil Engineering - Transport Engineering and Traffic Planning Maestría en Ingeniería Civil - Mención Ingeniería del Transporte y Planificación del Tránsito General Engineering 1 year
Master's in Integrated Systems - Sustainability Maestría en Sistemas Integrados - Mención Sostenibilidad Liberal Arts 1 year
Master's in Legal Pluralism and Intercultural Justice Maestría en Pluralismo Jurídico y Justicia Intercultural Law 1 year
Master's in Constitutional Law Maestría en Derecho Constitucional Law 1 year
Master's in Administrative Law Maestría en Derecho Administrativo Law 1 year
Master's in Criminal Law Maestría en Derecho Penal Criminal Law & Justice 1 year
Master's in Political and Electoral Law Maestría en Derecho Político y Electoral Law 1 year
Master's in Mediation, Arbitration and Conflict Resolution Maestría en Mediación, Arbitraje y Solución de Conflictos Law 1 year
Master's in Labor Law - Public and Private Maestría en Derecho Laboral Público y Privado Law 1 year
Master's in International Public Law Maestría en Derecho Internacional Público Law 1 year
Master's in Education - Learning Management Mediated by ICT Maestría en Educación - Gestión del Aprendizaje Mediado por TIC Information Systems & Technology
Master's in Education - Inclusive Education and Diversity Support Maestría en Educación - Inclusión Educativa y Atención a la Diversidad Education & Teaching
Master's in Education - Linguistics and Literature Maestría en Educación - Lingüística y Literatura Linguistics & Language Studies
Master's in Pedagogy of Experimental Sciences - Physics Maestría en Pedagogía de las Ciencias Experimentales - Mención Física Physics & Astronomy
Master's in Education - Mathematics Maestría en Educación - Mención Matemática Mathematics
Master's in Pedagogy of Experimental Sciences - Chemistry and Biology Maestría en Pedagogía de las Ciencias Experimentales - Química y Biología Chemistry
Master's in Early Childhood Education Maestría en Educación Inicial Early Childhood Education
Master's in Education - Gender and Sustainable Development Maestría en Educación - Género y Desarrollo Sostenible Politics & International Relations
Master's in Education - Social Sciences and Interculturality Maestría en Educación - Ciencias Sociales e Interculturalidad Education & Teaching
Master's in Pedagogy of National and Foreign Languages - English Maestría en Pedagogía de los Idiomas Nacionales y Extranjeros - Mención Inglés English Language Studies
Master's in Audiovisual Communication Maestría en Comunicación Audiovisual Communication Studies
Master's in Marketing and Communication Maestría en Marketing y Comunicación Marketing
Master's in Communication and Culture Maestría en Comunicación y Cultura Communication Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
1 programme
Browse 1 programme of research-degree study at Universidad Central del Ecuador. Each culminates in a thesis defended before examiners as an original scholarly contribution.
Doctorate in Sustainable Water and Irrigation Management Doctorado en Gestión Sustentable de Agua y Riego Business & Management 4 years
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
10 programmes
These 10 programmes group Universidad Central del Ecuador's shorter and preparatory qualifications together: associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and foundation courses that suit focused or transitional study.
Specialization in Petroleum - Hydrocarbon Reservoir Management Especialización en Petróleos con mención en Gerencia de Yacimientos Hidrocarburíferos Business & Management 6 months
Specialization in Analysis and Transformation of Sociopolitical Conflicts Especialización en Análisis y Transformación de Conflictos Sociopolíticos 6 months
Specialization in Facilitation of Restorative Processes with Children and Adolescents Especialización en Facilitación de Procesos Restaurativos con Niñas, Niños y Adolescentes Law 6 months
Specialization in Operative Dentistry and Aesthetics Operatoria Dental y Estética Dentistry 4 semesters
Specialization in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Cirugía Maxilofacial Operating Room & Surgical Technology 4 semesters
Specialization in Endodontics Endodoncia 4 semesters
Specialization in Pediatric Dentistry Odontopediatría Medicine 4 semesters
Specialization in Periodontics and Implants Periodoncia e Implantes Dentistry 6 semesters
Specialization in Oral Rehabilitation and Implant-Supported Prosthetics Rehabilitación Oral y Prótesis Implantoasistida Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences 4 semesters
Specialization in Orthodontics Ortodoncia Dentistry 4 semesters
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Universidad Central del Ecuador
A short guide to applying to Universidad Central del Ecuador — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse Universidad Central del Ecuador's 138 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at Universidad Central del Ecuador typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Universidad Central del Ecuador processes applications through www.uce.edu.ec. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +593 (2) 223 4722. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universidad Central del Ecuador
Common questions about Universidad Central del Ecuador answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.
How old is Universidad Central del Ecuador?
The institution opened in 1586 (approximately 440 years ago).
Where is Universidad Central del Ecuador located?
Universidad Central del Ecuador is located in Quito, Ecuador.
What is Universidad Central del Ecuador's control type?
Universidad Central del Ecuador operates as a public institution.
Where does Universidad Central del Ecuador stand in university rankings?
Universidad Central del Ecuador is ranked #2627 globally and #4 in Ecuador.
Is Universidad Central del Ecuador accredited?
Yes, Universidad Central del Ecuador is recognised by The Higher Education Quality Assurance Council (CACES).
How do I find Universidad Central del Ecuador online?
You can find Universidad Central del Ecuador online at www.uce.edu.ec.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
The universities below sit close to Universidad Central del Ecuador geographically and may suit students who want to stay within the same region for study. Proximity affects commuting cost, family contact, and the ease of switching institutions if circumstances change.
Where Else to Study General Engineering
Programme-led research opportunities for General Engineering students differ. Research-active programmes give undergraduates access to active labs; teaching-only programmes do not.
Universities Often Compared with Universidad Central del Ecuador
Admissions advisor commonalities exist within peer tiers — advisors recommending Universidad Central del Ecuador often recommend the universities below alongside it as natural cross-applications.
