La Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL) was officially recognized by the Ecuadorian State according to the executive decree No. 646 published in the official record No. 217 on May 5, 1971. With this the UTPL becomes an autonomous corporate organization that is protected by the "Modus Vivendi" document formalized between the Saint Principal Office and the Ecuadorian State, keeping in mind the norms of the Church in its organization and governance. It provides on-campus and distance education. The latter dates back to 1976, which makes it a pioneer in Latin America. Was fundate for the Ecuadorian "Marista" Group (EMG) founded the UTPL on May 3, 1971 with the approval and the support of the Diocese of Loja and run by the same group until October 1997. Nowadays the UTPL is administered by the Religious Association "Id of Redeeming Christ" Identes Missioners. La Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja has 2 modalities of study 23 Bachelors degrees on campus Loja (P) and 20 a Distance (D).