Graduate School

In support of the University’s mission of promoting research studies and instruction in the natural and social sciences and the humanities, the Graduate School was organized during the school year 1966–1967 with an initial enrolment of 15 in the Master of Arts in Education Program. Dr. Cristian Alcantara was appointed the first Dean of the Graduate School. During the school year 1975–1976, the Doctor of Philosophy in Education major in Educational Management and the Master of Science in Mathematics programs were added to the offerings of the Graduate School. Dr. Fredeswinda Serrano, the former Vice President for Academic Affairs of Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC), was the first Ph.D. graduate of the University. After a year, the Graduate School started offering a Master’s in Business Administration.

From 1966 to the present, the Graduate School has offered the following degree programs: Ph.D. Educational Management, Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, Ph.D. Public Administration, Ph.D. in Management, Doctor in Business Administration, Doctor of Public Health in Health Promotion and Education, Doctor of Information Technology, Master of Arts in Education, Master of Arts in Special Education, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Science in Mathematics, Master in Business Administration, Master in Public Administration, Master of Arts in Nursing, Master in Nursing, Master of Science in Information Technology, Master in Public Health, and Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science among others.

The successful graduates of the Graduate School are regional directors of government agencies; school administrators, e.g., public school superintendents, supervisors, principals, and head teachers; government officials; businessmen, and military and police officers. It has likewise awarded honorary degrees to prominent educators, public officials, and well-known businessmen and dignitaries.

Having adopted the trimester scheme since the academic year 1983–1984, the Graduate School has been enrolling professionals including lawyers, medical doctors, engineers, accountants, executives in business and industry, public relations practitioners, and educational managers for professional growth.

In keeping faith with the University’s thrust of ensuring quality in its program offerings, the Graduate School embarked on its journey toward accreditation. On August 7–8, 2015, the Master of Arts in Education and Master in Business Administration were visited by PAASCU and were granted initial accreditation for three years, effective December 12, 2015. The same programs were visited by PAASCU on March 1–2, 2019, and were granted re-accreditation for five (5) years.

To ensure that its programs remain current and on par with the requirements set by globalization and internationalization of higher education and the new policies, standards, and guidelines of CHED, all curricula were revised and implemented effective AY 2021–2022.

Believing in the tenet that a school is only as strong as its faculty, the Graduate School continuously maintains a team of competent, experienced, and efficient faculty and administrators.