MPC program
Michael Polanyi College (MPC) is a four-year bachelor’s degree program that gives you the opportunity to design your own curriculum within Universidad Francisco Marroquín ́s worldwide network of professors and mentors.
Life is the best education. MPC fosters creativity and critical thinking in an open and interdisciplinary environment.
Based at Guatemala’s top university, Universidad Francisco Marroquín, the MPC awards an accredited bachelor of arts with a concentration that you define.
BOOKCAMP
First year
Explore your interests!
A one-year phase where you will explore foundational Liberal Arts courses with expert tutors. You'll learn through the analysis of core texts, dialogues, and experiences—in and outside MPC—to discover your interests.
FELLOWSHIP
Second & third years
Design your courses!
A two-years phase where you will create your own curriculum and choose your mentors using our unique learning contract methodology. You'll design your own courses, work, travel, and pursue your areas of interest independently or in collaboration with other students.
LEADERSHIP
Fourth year
Walk the talk!
A one-year phase where you will build an original creative accomplishment: your Great Work. You might write a novel, start your first business, design an app, or create an art exhibit. Your Great Work defines your degree concentration and launches your project and career to the real world.
What will an MPCer do after graduation?
MPC awards a fully accredited bachelor of arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration that you define and defend through your Great Work. Instead of earning a generic degree, you will graduate with a body of work, a network of professional contacts, and the discipline and habits that set you apart from other professionals.
Are you a future MPCer?
Are you ambitious, passionate, and fearless? Do you see yourself as a designer, musician, scientist, entrepreneur, or in another creative career? We are looking for courageous and independent people who want the opportunity to build something great on their own.
Our Leaders
Ronald Flores
Director
Ronald Flores studied Education at Universidad del Valle de Guatemala and a master’s degree in Comparative Literature at the University of Texas at Austin. He was a Fulbright fellow. Flores is the author of several novels, essays, and other publications, including Final Silence and Los señores de Xiblablá. Flores is also a two-time Ironman Texas 140.6 finisher.
Odra Girón
Academic and Educational Projects Coordinator
Odra Girón is an Architect from Universidad Francisco Marroquín. She holds master’s degrees in Retail Design from Elisava - Escuela Universitaria de Diseño e Ingeniería and in E-commerce and Digital Marketing from La Salle - Universidad Ramón Llull, both in Barcelona, where she lived for most of the past decade. Odra has also provided consultancy for Digital Transformation Solutions, as well as Integrated Design and Retail Strategy Projects.
Currently, she is dedicated to fostering innovative educational experiences at MPC College, leveraging her expertise in Educational Consulting and Curriculum Development.
José Argueta, Ph.D. in Philosophy
Professor
José Argueta obtained a PhD in Philosophy (UFM), a Master in Economics (OMMA Business School Madrid), Bachelor of Arts and Philosophy (Universidad Rafael Landivar).
He is a professor and a mentor in Phenomenology, Hermeneutics, Philosophy of Art, Philosophy of History and Philosophy of Religion.
Bernardo Castillo, Master of Liberal Arts in Eastern Classics
Professor
Bernardo Castillo is a Liberal Arts Major and Eastern Classics Master from St. John's College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In his free time, professor Castillo likes to exercise and play D&D.
Mauricio Garita, Ph.D. in Sociology
Professor
Mauricio Garita is a Financial Consultant, Educator, and Writer in Economics and Blockchain. He is also a frequent lecturer on Stoicism. Please consider following him at: https://vivirmejor.substack.com/