CAS Graduate Program
Being one of the oldest higher academic programs since 1938, the College of Arts and Sciences holds the distinction as one of the two colleges to first offer the Master of Arts degree in 1948 (MA Literature) and the first to offer the Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1976 (PhD in Sociology). This pioneering history of excellence in the area of social sciences and active engagement to professional growth by training teachers who do further studies in their field of specialization had advanced CAS Graduate Program through the years to continually expand its offerings by complementing its Master of Arts programs with Master of Science programs in natural sciences.
With Level IV PAASCU accreditation, CHED recognition as Center of Development, and CHED partner as Delivering Institution on selected MA and MS degree programs during the K-12 transition, CAS Graduate Program gears to sustain its culture of research and commitment to greater knowledge among its students for them to be resilient, productive and future ready.
After the restructuring of the graduate programs took effect in SY 2021-2022, CAS houses 9 graduate programs arranged chronologically.
- Master of Arts in Economics (1966)
- Master of Arts in History (1966)
- Master of Arts in Sociology (1966)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology (1976)
- Master of Arts in Psychology (2004)
- Master of Arts in English Language (2014)
- Master of Arts in Literature (2014)
- Master of Science in Biology (2016)
- Master of Science in Chemistry (2017)
Master of Arts in Economics
The general objective of the Master of Arts in Economics program is to provide future college teachers and economists in government and industry with adequate training in techniques and applications of economic analysis.
Master of Arts in English Language / Master of Arts in English Literature
The Master of Arts in English Language and Master of Arts in English Literature program is committed to teaching and developing the communication, language, literary and creative skills of undergraduate and graduate students. This teaching commitment designs programs and creates activities for the students’ continuous formation of their life-long learning skills in the areas of critical thinking, listening, speaking, reading and writing.
The program engages in an interdisciplinary framework focusing on value-centered linguistic and literary formation. It promotes the involvement of faculty and students in open inquiry, communication and basic extended research tasks. In addition, it motivates faculty, staff and students to search ways for dynamic-effective information and communication linkages with other tertiary institutions, especially those in Mindanao.
In sum, the program strives to do effective teaching and to facilitate learning processes for responsible communication by looking within and seeing beyond the classroom interactive toward greater productivity and professional development.
Master of Arts in History
The Master of Arts in History program develops a comprehensive understanding of history to communicate historical knowledge to the public; understand the social forces and historical underpinnings of fostering patriotism and nationalism; develop research competency among students; develop and enhance the skills of students as historians; and foster unity, common vision and identity for Mindanao and the Philippines.
Master of Arts in Psychology
The Department of Psychology and Guidance aims to provide quality education to its students, thus, producing critical thinkers and service-oriented graduates whose critical role in society is to understand human behavior and other psychological phenomena. With this, they will be provided with learning experiences that will creatively make use of the scientific methods in studying psychological principles.
The graduate program, further, prepares students the significant aptitude, attitude, competence and educational qualification for recognized or certified specializations in their practices as psychologists, and well-regarded and purposeful memberships to psychological associations.
Master of Science in Biology / Master in Biology
The Master of Science in Biology (MS Bio) program is a research oriented degree designed to prepare students for research and teaching, for work in industry, and government and private agencies that require expertise in biology and related fields. It is a graduate preparatory course for those who are planning to pursue a doctoral degree in Biology.
The Master in Biology (M.Bio) program is primarily designed to provide graduate education that will equip the students with the specialized knowledge and scientific skills for teaching. The program can be a graduate preparatory course for those who are planning a career in research, or a bridging program for students who want to pursue further graduate education in biology leading to a doctorate degree. Student in this program will attain substantial theoretical knowledge and practical skills in investigating marine or terrestrial ecosystems that provide them a competitive advantage in business, industry, government, and academe.
Master of Science in Chemistry
The MS in Chemistry program is a two-year course with a research thesis. It is designed for graduates of BS Chemistry and allied fields (e.g. environmental science, agricultural science, chemical engineering, food science, marine science, molecular biology, biotechnology, material science, etc.) who want to specialize in organic, biological, analytical, inorganic, and physical chemistry.
Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology / Master of Arts in Sociology
The Department, using sociological and anthropological perspectives, aims to promote a better understanding and enrichment of Filipino heritage, and diverse cultures through the synergy of instruction and research; and to be more effective by bringing social realities and current concerns into the consciousness of students, in particular, and the community, in general. The Department has a research arm, the Research Institute for Mindanao Culture. Through the Institute the faculty members are able to do commissioned research activities that have generated more than 600 research reports over the last 50 years. Scores were published in Philippine journals like Kinaadman, Philippine Sociological Review, Philippine Studies, Philippine Geographic Review, Philippine