The University of America is a private, nonsectarian, coeducational research university located in Bogotá, Colombia. Founded as an architecture school in 1956, the school grew into an interdisciplinary and technological research institution, University of America emphasizes quality over size, concentrating on a core of academic disciplines with a strong reputation in engineering and applied sciences. University of America has three schools, containing 8 academic departments; particularly noted are its programs in Chemical, Mechanical and Pretroleum engineering. In 1957, University of America was one of the four founding members of the Colombian Association of Universities "ASCUN" (Asociación Colombiana de Universidades).