Named in honor of Salvadoran priest, lawyer, politician and national hero José Matías Delgado, UJMD, also known as "La Matías",[citation needed] was conceived as a nonprofit institution by Salvadoran intellectuals, academics and businessmen, its main objective being the formation of professionals with the capability of improving and directing the business and judicial institutions of the time.

Following the events of the Salvadoran Civil War, the University continued its activities despite the circumstances of the conflict, increasing the demand of higher education at the time where new faculties and careers developed.

Since its foundation until 2018, the University was administrated by well-known Salvadoran writer, dramatist and jurist, David Escobar Galindo.

Additionally, it has technical workshops, sports fields, computing centers, medical clinics with psychological assistance and laboratories for chemistry, physics, medicine and agricultural research, among others.

La Matías offers the opportunity for students to get involved in extracurricular activities like theatre groups, musical choirs, volunteering and sports like the following: chess, soccer, track and field, swimming, basketball, volleyball and taekwondo, among others.