In March 1972, the Polytechnic Institute began operating with 203 students enrolled in six (6) programs as follows: Degree in Languages, Mathematics and Physics, Social Sciences and Economics, Chemistry and Biology, Psychology, Educational Administration and Technology Management companies. y Law No. 7 of 1975 the name Polytechnic Institute was changed to Technological University of Choco "Diego Luis Cordoba" - UTCH, a situation that allowed him to open new areas in the planning of new programs in the field of higher education. By 1984, the University had a total of 1345 students and new programs such as Agricultural Technology, Civil Works, Fisheries, Mines and a degree in Social Work. In 1987, it had 1808 students with classroom study programs, semi-presential and distance and 190 teachers distributed in time-chair, half time and full time. For this year, it took place a departmental general strike, the result allowed the inclusion of an item in the national budget to begin construction of the university citadel.