Ciudad del Saber grows with addition of Drake University as affiliated member
Drake University—a top-ranked private U.S. institution with 144 years of excellence—announced today the launch of a new program in Panama City, Panama, following the signing of a formal agreement between the University and Ciudad del Saber. Students will be able to pursue a career-defining accelerated three-year Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics with a minor in Artificial Intelligence from Drake’s new location at Ciudad del Saber, or pursue a wide array of majors and minors through a “2+2” program in which the final two years are completed on Drake’s U.S.-based campus in Des Moines—Iowa’s capital city. Applications for the program will open in August 2026 with enrollment beginning in August 2027.
“This program is built to meet the growing demand for data analysts and artificial intelligence experts worldwide,” said Drake University President, Marty Martin. “With Drake’s deep and long-standing ties to the Republic of Panama, a demand for professionals that is outpacing the global talent pipeline, and Panama’s position as a thriving hub for the global supply chain, we couldn’t be more excited to bring this highly in-demand program to fruition at Ciudad del Saber.”
Two Paths Toward a Drake Degree
This path allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics with a minor in Artificial Intelligence in only three years and one summer, entirely from Drake’s facilities on the campus of Ciudad del Saber. Students’ final term will include a guaranteed internship with a leading Panamanian company or organization.
This path allows students to study their first two years from Drake’s new location at Ciudad del Saber, focusing on liberal arts curriculum and courses in data analytics and artificial intelligence. Students will complete their final two years of study on Drake’s U.S.-based campus, allowing them to continue pursuing data analytics and artificial intelligence or expand their studies into other in-demand fields such as computer science, actuarial science, information systems, international business, and more. This option comes with the opportunity to secure U.S. internships and U.S. work eligibility through the federal one-year Optional Practical Training (OPT) program with the possibility of an additional two-year STEM extension.
While these programs are new to Panama, Drake University has significant experience in these fields and was among the first of all U.S. universities to offer bachelor’s degrees in both data analytics and artificial intelligence. Drake’s graduates (in all fields of study) experience a lifetime return on investment that ranks among the top 3% of all U.S. universities, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. Drake’s 2023 data analytics graduates, specifically, earned an average $74,000 annual salary only one year after graduation.
A Robust Campus Life at Ciudad del Saber
As an affiliated member of Ciudad del Saber, Drake’s new academic programs will be at the center of a thriving hub for education, research, and entrepreneurship, located in Panama City. Students will benefit from a collaborative and global community with cutting-edge resources and access to major potential employers, including NGOs, tech startups, and research institutions. Students will experience a robust campus life with access to parks, dining, and shopping at La Plaza, cultural celebrations and festivals, athletics facilities, and student housing—all within walking distance of Drake’s facilities.
“At Ciudad del Saber, we are committed to elevating Panama’s academic landscape by attracting world-class higher education institutions,” said Jorge Arosemena Román, executive president, Ciudad del Saber Foundation. “Drake University brings immense value through a cutting-edge program focused on Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. This initiative will empower local talent, build critical capabilities, and contribute meaningfully to our country’s development.”
Deep Connections in Panama
Drake has long-been engaged in the Republic of Panama through study abroad and internship placement programs, as well as through the impact of Drake alumni, which include some of the country’s most prominent business leaders. Drake is now forging partnerships for internship placements with a number of leading Panamanian businesses and organizations as part of the Accelerated 3-year+ Program—from Motta Internacional and Banco General to Panamá Pacífico. Additionally, Drake recently formalized a cooperation agreement with Panama’s National Secretariat of Science, Technology, and Innovation (Senacyt) to support the country’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy—fostering training in emerging technologies and helping to build a world-class talent pipeline in Panama.
For more information on the program and to sign up for the latest news and updates, please visit Drake.edu/Panama.