Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology

Overview

The Ministerio de Educación Superior, Ciencia y Tecnología (MESCyT) is the central government agency responsible for overseeing higher education, science and technology in the Dominican Republic. Its primary mission is to foster, regulate, advise and manage the National System of Higher Education, Science and Technology through the implementation of policies, strategies and programs aimed at developing sectors that contribute to the country's economic competitiveness and sustainable human development.

History and Legal Framework

The MESCyT was established in 2001 as the Secretaría de Estado de Educación Superior, Ciencia y Tecnología, evolving into its current form in 2010. The Ministry operates under a comprehensive legal framework that includes various laws and decrees, such as:

• Law 311-14 on Asset Declaration (2014)
• Law 172-13 on Personal Data Protection (2013)
• Law 247-12 on Public Administration (2012)

These laws and decrees provide the legal foundation for the Ministry's operations and ensure its accountability and transparency in managing public resources.

Mission, Vision and Objectives in Higher Education

The MESCyT's mission is to promote, regulate, advise and manage the National System of Higher Education, Science and Technology through the execution of policies, strategies and programs aimed at developing sectors that contribute to the country's economic competitiveness and sustainable human development. The Ministry's vision is to position the Dominican Republic as a leader in higher education, science and technology in the Caribbean region, fostering innovation and research that drive national development.

Key objectives include:

• Enhancing the quality and accessibility of higher education institutions.
• Promoting scientific research and technological innovation.
• Aligning educational programs with labor market needs.
• Facilitating international collaboration and exchange in education and research.
• Ensuring the accreditation and quality assurance of academic programs.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The MESCyT operates under the executive branch of the Dominican government and is led by a Minister appointed by the President of the Republic. The Ministry's organizational structure includes various viceministries, each responsible for specific areas:

• Viceministry of Higher Education
• Viceministry of Science and Technology
• Viceministry of International Relations
• Viceministry of Evaluation and Accreditation of Higher Education Institutions
• Viceministry of Administrative and Financial Affairs
• Viceministry of Extension

This structure allows the Ministry to effectively manage and oversee the diverse aspects of higher education, science and technology. While operating within the governmental framework, the MESCyT maintains a degree of autonomy to implement policies and programs that align with national development goals.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

The MESCyT plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of higher education in the Dominican Republic. It collaborates with the Consejo Nacional de Educación Superior (CONES) to establish accreditation standards and evaluate the performance of higher education institutions. The Ministry oversees the accreditation process for academic programs and institutions, ensuring they meet national and international quality standards. This process aims to enhance the credibility and recognition of Dominican higher education institutions both domestically and internationally.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The MESCyT actively engages in international cooperation to enhance the quality and global competitiveness of Dominican higher education and research. The Ministry has established partnerships with various international organizations, universities and research institutions. Notably, the MESCyT has collaborated with:

• Huawei to promote the Academy Program in Dominican universities, focusing on developing digital skills among students.
• Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM) in Spain, offering scholarships to Dominican students for postgraduate studies in strategic areas.
• Universidad a Distancia de Madrid (UDIMA), facilitating academic exchanges and joint programs.
• San Gabriel Ciudad de la Educación in Spain, exploring opportunities for Dominican students to pursue degrees in fields like enology, welding and robotics.

These collaborations aim to foster knowledge exchange, enhance educational opportunities and promote research and innovation in the Dominican Republic.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The MESCyT's initiatives are expected to have a significant impact on higher education in the Dominican Republic. Key areas of impact include:

• Expansion of Educational Opportunities: Increased access to higher education through scholarships and international partnerships.
• Improvement in Educational Quality: Enhanced curricula and teaching methodologies aligned with international standards.
• Development of a Skilled Workforce: Programs designed to equip students with the skills needed in the global labor market.
• Promotion of Research and Innovation: Support for scientific research and technological development to address national challenges.
• Strengthening of International Relations: Building global networks to facilitate academic and cultural exchange.

These efforts aim to position the Dominican Republic as a hub for higher education and research in the Caribbean, contributing to the country's economic and social development.

Summary

The Ministerio de Educación Superior, Ciencia y Tecnología (MESCyT) is a pivotal institution in the Dominican Republic, responsible for overseeing and advancing higher education, science and technology. Through its comprehensive policies and programs, the Ministry aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of education, promote scientific research and innovation and foster international collaboration. The MESCyT's efforts are instrumental in shaping a skilled and knowledgeable workforce that can drive the nation's sustainable development.

FAQs

• What is the role of the MESCyT?
  The MESCyT is responsible for overseeing higher education, science and technology in the Dominican Republic, implementing policies and programs to develop these sectors.
• When was the MESCyT established?
  The MESCyT was established in 2001 as the Secretaría de Estado de Educación Superior, Ciencia y Tecnología and became its current form in 2010.
• Who leads the MESCyT?
  The MESCyT is led by a Minister appointed by the President of the Republic. The current Minister is Dr. Franklin García Fermín.
• What are the key objectives of the MESCyT?
  The key objectives include enhancing the quality of higher education, promoting scientific research and technological innovation, aligning educational programs with labor market needs and fostering international collaboration.
• Does the MESCyT offer scholarships?
  Yes, the MESCyT offers scholarships to Dominican students for postgraduate studies, both domestically and internationally, in strategic areas aligned with national development goals.

Organization Name

Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology
Ministerio de Educación Superior, Ciencia y Tecnología

Acronym

MESCyT

Year of Establishment

2000

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Avenida Máximo Gómez No. 31, esq. Pedro Henríquez Ureña
Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo Dominican Republic

Phone

+809 731 1100

Fax

+809 731 1101

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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LinkedIn

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology's Wikipedia article

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