In accordance with the pertinent provisions of Republic Act (RA) No. 7722, otherwise known as the "Higher Education Act of 1994," in pursuance of an outcomes-based quality assurance system, in alignment with the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF), and by virtue of Referendum No. R070-2019 dated December 19, 2019, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) hereby adopts and promulgates the following general policies, standards and guidelines (PSGs) for graduate programs. HTcADC
SECTION 1. Rationale for Upgrading Graduate Programs . —
The landscape and perspectives in offering graduate programs have dramatically changed in the past decades. These changes demand new or enhanced competencies among students to meet the requirements set by globalization, regional integration, internationalization of higher education, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Thus, students must be able to optimally use 21st century skills in their daily work and professions thereby strengthening the nation's innovation, research, and development.
The Philippine education system has been undergoing reforms such as the introduction of the K to 12 program in basic education, the implementation of a new General Education curriculum and adoption of outcomes-based education (OBE) as a teaching-learning framework in higher education, and the enactment of RA 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act). The signing of RA 10931 expanded access and equity to higher education as more students apply for, and will complete their degrees through government subsidy for tuition and miscellaneous fees and other education concerns.
Because of these government initiatives, it is therefore imperative that policies, standards, and guidelines (PSGs) for academic degree programs in higher education, including graduate programs, should therefore be made consistent or aligned with the reforms being instituted in the entire Philippine education system.
In 2013, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) created the Task Force on Graduate Education Reform (TFGER) to review the state of graduate programs in the country. The TFGER proposed policy options and action agenda to rationalize graduate programs. A revised set of PSGs governing graduate program is then necessary to pursue the needed reforms which include the cultivation of a culture of research and innovation in graduate programs.
Among the major concerns in graduate programs is the wide gap in the availability of and access to quality graduate programs in various disciplines deemed critical in achieving national development in a globalized world. Some graduate programs, especially in the fields of teacher education, public administration, and business administration, are oversubscribed while there remains many underdeveloped areas of specialization across disciplines leading to the limited growth of said programs and consequently, constraining the potential for development of their respective sectors.
Existing PSGs governing graduate programs in the Philippines, specifically, CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 36, series of 1998 and CMO No. 9, series of 2003 need to be updated or revised to adequately address and meet the requirements of the above-mentioned conditions.
SECTION 2. Definition and Philosophical Underpinnings of Graduate Programs . —
Graduate programs constitute a level or stage of academic work that is considered an advanced program of study. It focuses on a particular or interdisciplinary academic discipline or profession and involves certain objective-options such as:
1. rigorous evaluation of work and interaction with professors and peers;
2. professional experience via internships, teaching, and research; and
3. production of original research or creative work.
Across all orientations and levels of graduate work, the ultimate goal is to contribute to the process of knowledge acquisition, generation, sharing, and exchange that is distinct from the baccalaureate level.
The general outcomes of graduate programs are the mastery of a specialized field of study, the development of original and critical thinking, and the demonstration of problem-solving skills that prepare the degree holder for advanced instruction and leadership positions in the areas of research, creative work, as well as the practice of his or her profession.
SECTION 3. Role of Graduate Programs. —
To better contribute to the attainment of sustainable development, graduate programs are expected to:
1. Achieve a clear progression beyond basic education and baccalaureate/undergraduate education by stressing:
a. Cutting-edge, integrative and interrogative teaching and learning contents and methods; and
b. Higher competencies in knowledge production (research), knowledge sharing and exchange (teaching), and knowledge application and utilization.
2. Produce advanced competencies that can spur and sustain:
a. Leadership and innovation;
b. Scientific and technological growth;
c. Creative and effective learning and teaching;
d. Agro-industrial productivity; aScITE
f. Good governance;
g. Inclusive economic development and environmental security;
h. National sovereignty and independent international relations;
i. Articulation of Filipino culture and arts;
j. Cultural and religious diversity; and
Authority to Operate
SECTION 4. Government Authority . —
All private higher education institutions (HEIs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and local universities and colleges (LUCs) intending to offer graduate program/s in-campus and/or off-campus through any delivery mode must first secure proper authority from the Commission.
The Commission shall ensure careful scrutiny and intensive monitoring of all the curricular graduate programs, regardless of the mode of delivery, in order to do away with the remedial function currently observed in many graduate programs, and to rationalize research toward global standards and best practices.
Any HEI offering graduate programs in any more prescribed under this CMO shall first secure government authorization/recognition before they are allowed to offer graduate programs. Failure of the HEI to comply with the requirements stated therein within the prescribed period shall be deemed as abandonment of its application.
SECTION 5. Eligibility Criteria. —
Private HEIs, SUCs, and LUCs with CHED Institutional Recognition are eligible to apply for the appropriate government authority to offer graduate programs if they meet any of the following conditions:
1. With Center of Excellence (COE) or Center of Development (COD) status in the discipline being applied for; or
2. With international accreditation (such as AUN or ABET) in the corresponding undergraduate degree program; or
3. With at least Level III program accreditation or equivalent from CHED recognized accrediting agency in the corresponding undergraduate degree program.
Graduate Program Levels, Outcomes, and Types
SECTION 6. Program Levels and Outcomes . —
1. Master's Level
Programs under the Master's Level are designed to provide students with advanced academic and/or professional knowledge, skills and competencies, leading to a second degree higher than the bachelor's degree. They contain a substantial research component. These programs are theoretically-based, but may also include practical components and are informed by state-of-the-art research and/or best professional practice. 1
By level of outcome or competency, Master's programs are aligned with Level 7 of the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF). PQF Level 7 descriptors demand the following from graduates of master's degree programs:
a. Advanced knowledge and skills in a specialized, interdisciplinary, or multidisciplinary field of study for professional practice;
b. Self-directed research;
c. Lifelong learning with a highly substantial degree of independence that involves individual work or teams of interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary experts; and
d. Application of the above-mentioned skills in research, professional, or creative work.
Entry into the Master's level that prepares a student for a higher degree normally requires the successful completion of a Bachelor's degree.
2. Doctoral Level
The doctoral level is the highest level of academic degree in any field of knowledge or discipline, thus making it a terminal degree. 2 Programs at this level lead to an advanced research qualification and devoted to advanced study and original research. 3
Doctoral programs are aligned with Level 8 of the PQF. The outcomes with reference to PQF Level 8 descriptors would demand the following from the graduates of doctoral degree programs:
a. Demonstration of highly advanced systematic knowledge and skills in highly specialized and/or complex interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary field of learning;
b. Utilization of complex research/creative work and/or professional practice and/or the advancement of learning with full independence in individual work and/or in teams of interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary setting; HEITAD
c. Application of more complex setting that demands leadership in research and creative work with strategic value added; and
d. Application of significant level of expertise-based autonomy and accountability to professional leadership for innovation, research and/or development management in highly specialized or interdisciplinary or multi-disciplinary field.
Entry into Level 8 programs requires the successful completion of specific Level 7 programs. Level 8 programs or doctoral programs usually concludes with the submission and defense of a dissertation or equivalent written work of publishable quality, representing a significant contribution to knowledge in the respective field of study. Therefore, these programs are typically based on research and not only on course work. 4 For a professional doctoral degree, prior work experience in the discipline being applied for is also required.
Furthermore, a doctoral degree is not determined solely by the number of units completed or the number of years in graduate school. As already mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, a doctoral program entails the creation of new knowledge in a field of specialization through a dissertation, which needs to be publicly presented and defended before a panel of doctoral holders in a specific field of study. It usually involves the publication of one's research in peer-reviewed academic journals to demonstrate contribution to advanced scholarship.
CHED determines the equivalency of any doctoral program subject to existing policies, standards and guidelines (PSGs), mutual recognition agreements, and other applicable international laws and policies.
SECTION 7. Types of Graduate Programs . —
I. Master's Programs in the Sciences and in the Arts
Graduate Programs in the Sciences — Master of Science programs focus on specialized professional fields and are commonly applied in programs related to the natural sciences, engineering and mathematics sciences, and information technology. These programs have more units in the sciences and technology and have laboratory classes. Thesis is a requirement for graduation.
Graduate Programs in the Arts — Advanced degrees in the arts (Master of Arts) offer broader education or liberal arts education. These degrees are common in programs related to the social sciences, humanities, and communication. Graduation requirement may either be a thesis or creative work, which passed rigorous academic or jury review.
II. Master's Programs by Tracks
The Master's programs have two (2) major tracks. These are the thesis track and the non-thesis track. The thesis track is research intensive while the non-thesis track is often referred to as a professional or course-based master's program. 5
A. Thesis Track (Master of Science/Master of Arts)
Under the thesis track is the Master of Science/Master of Arts (MSc/MA) degree program . The MSc/MA is a graduate academic degree program consisting of advanced studies in an academic discipline with the primary purpose of contributing to the generation, production and advancement of knowledge rather than specific applications to professional practice. Programs of this type are research-focused and serve as preparation for a doctoral research program. There are two (2) sub-tracks under this, namely the Academic Track and the Research Track:
1. Master of Science/Master of Arts (MSc/MA) Academic Track
This program has at least twenty-four (24) units of coursework and at least six (6) units of thesis. It requires students to pass a comprehensive examination and requires a thesis. As a final output, the students must have at least one (1) publication in refereed journal or juried creative work. Creative work is a tangible evidence of creative effort in a specific field of specialization, such as artwork, literature, music, paintings, dance, drama, productions, architecture, and games and apps. Due to the arbitrariness of creative work, it is impossible that two people would create the same work independently. 6
2. Master of Science/Master of Arts (MSc/MA) by Research
This program has at least a total number of thirty-six (36) units wherein there is less coursework and more research activities. All units to be taken is by research (no coursework). It requires students to pass a comprehensive examination. As a final output, students have at least one (1) publication, specifically, evidence of acceptance to a refereed journal or have a juried creative work outlet.
B. Non-Thesis Track (Master's Degree-Professional Track)
Under the non-thesis track is the Master's degree (Professional Track) . It is a professional track at the master's level with the primary purpose of applying knowledge in professional practice. A Master's degree of this type is either terminal or geared towards preparation for a doctoral degree program with a professional track.
The professional master's degree program has at least thirty (30) units of coursework consisting of advanced studies in professional or vocational fields wherein at least three (3) units of which shall be labeled as a capstone course or practiced-based project.
This program requires students to pass a comprehensive examination and complete a capstone project.
A capstone project culminates the student's academic or learning experience. It provides the student an opportunity to exhibit the knowledge and skills obtained during the course of graduate study. It can be featured through a long-term investigative project that concludes in a final output, presentation, or performance. A typical form is when a student may be required to choose a topic or a problem that interests them, perform a research on these topics and generate a final output (for example, in the form of essay, case study, research paper, or a short film or multimedia presentation) indicative of the student's acquisition of learning. The student presents the capstone project to a panel or committee of experts for grading and evaluation.
Other Types of Master's Programs
Because the current employment environment has become more competitive locally and globally, having a master's degree or multiple expertise in a shorter time period may be needed by Filipino graduates thus may accelerate success in their chosen careers. The Commission therefore encourages qualified HEIs to offer the following combination programs, if taken individually might take a longer time period:
1. Straight Bachelor's-Master's (SBM) Program 7
In the Straight Bachelor's-Master's (SBM) program, both the Bachelor's degree and Master's degree (thesis track) can be earned together.
The SBM program allows students to take specific graduate courses even before they finish their bachelor's degrees. The graduate courses taken can be counted towards both the bachelor's and master's degree thus giving students the opportunity to earn both degrees simultaneously in a shorter time span, however, only up to 20% of the required coursework may be common for both degrees. ETHIDa
The SBM program shall be designed as an honors program and thus, the HEI must have strict admission and retention policies. Students must be enrolled full-time and dropping of courses/subjects is not allowed. Students who fail at least one (1) course/subject shall automatically be disqualified from the program and can only pursue the regular Bachelor's program.
The maximum number of years to complete the program is five (5) years. If students are not able to complete the program within the five-year period, the students automatically enter the regular Bachelor's degree program.
The students shall be required to do a Master's level thesis. Prior to doing the Master's thesis, they need to pass a comprehensive examination. The final output for graduation is at least one (1) publishable journal article, which means evidence of submission to a refereed journal or juried creative work outlet.
2. Dual Doctor of Medicine-Master's Degree (MDMD) Program
In the Dual Doctor of Medicine-Master's Degree (MDMD) program, students may be awarded both the Doctor of Medicine and a Master's degree. Only up to 20% of the required coursework may be common for both degrees.
Similar to the SBM program, the MDMD program shall also be designed as an honors program and thus, the HEI must have strict admission and retention policies.
The maximum number of years to complete the program shall be determined by the HEI subject to approval of the Commission. If students are not able to complete the program within the prescribed period, they can pursue the regular program of only one of the two degrees.
Besides meeting the requirements for the Doctor of Medicine, the students are expected to pass a comprehensive examination for the Master's program. If the Master's program is under the thesis track, the student has to complete a thesis and has at least one (1) publishable journal article, which means evidence or submission to refereed journal or juried creative work outlet/or presentation to a conference. If the Master's program is a professional degree, the student has to complete a capstone project.
3. Dual Master's Degrees (DMD) Program 8
The Dual Master's Degrees (DMD) program provides the opportunity for students to pursue graduate work in two fields of study and comply with the requirements of the two degrees simultaneously.
A common course work may be applied for the two master's degrees, but only up to 20% of the required coursework for both degrees may be credited. This overlapping or common course work reduces the time to complete both degrees if taken as regular programs.
Students must be enrolled full-time and dropping of courses/subjects is not allowed. Students who fail at least one (1) course/subject shall automatically be disqualified from the program, but they may enter the regular program of one of the Master's degrees being pursued.
The maximum number of years to complete the program shall be determined by the HEI subject to approval of the Commission. If students are not able to complete the program within the prescribed period, they can only continue with the regular program of one of the two Master's degrees.
For two (2) Master's degrees under the thesis track, the students shall be required to pass a comprehensive examination and complete a thesis covering both degree programs. The final output for graduation is at least one (1) publishable journal article, which means evidence of submission to a refereed journal or juried creative work outlet or presentation to a conference.
For one (1) Master's degree under the thesis track and one (1) Professional Master's degree, the students shall be required to pass the comprehensive examination covering both degree programs. They shall also complete a thesis covering both fields of study and have at least (1) publishable journal article, which means evidence of submission to a refereed journal or juried work outlet or presentation to a conference.
For two (2) Professional Master's degrees, the students shall be required to pass the comprehensive examination covering both degrees and complete a capstone project interconnecting the two programs.
III. Doctoral Programs
The doctoral programs have two (2) types, the Doctor of Philosophy and the Doctoral Degree (Professional Track). cSEDTC
A. Doctor of Philosophy
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a graduate program leading to a doctoral degree that focuses on research and prepares students for a life of scholarship in an academic discipline. A PhD student must show the capacity to make an original contribution in pushing the frontier of knowledge in a chosen field through dissertation, and to demonstrate ability to work independently as a student. Examples of this type of doctoral program are PhD in Education or PhD in Public Administration.
The PhD program has two (2) sub-tracks, namely the Academic Track and the Research Track.
1. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Academic Track
This program has at least twenty-four (24) units of coursework and at least twelve (12) units of dissertation.
There shall be a public defense of the dissertation. The HEI announces the schedule of the defense through posting in its HEI website/social media or sending email to its academic community.
Furthermore, students are required to pass a comprehensive examination. As a final output, the students must also have a publication, specifically evidence of acceptance to an internationally or nationally refereed and indexed journal or have a juried creative work outlet.
2. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Research
This program has at least seventy-five per cent (75%) of the total units focused on research-dissertation work. The remaining units shall be allocated for courses on various research methods and advance courses that will contribute to the development and writing of the dissertation.
There shall be a public defense of the dissertation. The HEI announces the schedule of the defense through posting in its HEI website/social media or sending email to its academic community.
The total units shall be determined by the HEI. The HEI has to ensure that a student has a minimum residency of three (3) years on a full-time basis.
Furthermore, students are required to pass a comprehensive examination. As a final output, the students must also have a publication, specifically evidence of acceptance to an internationally or nationally indexed journal or juried creative work outlet.
B. Doctoral Degree-Professional Track
The Doctoral Degree (Professional Track) represents a mastery of the subject matter and techniques of a professional field to a stage of competence parallel to that required for the PhD. Although the work for the professional doctoral degree may extend the boundaries of knowledge in the field, it is directed primarily towards distinguished-practical performance. Examples of this type of doctoral program are Doctor of Education and Doctor of Public Administration.
Students admitted to the program will be prepared to train or supervise others in the field or to discover new knowledge that has practical applications as demonstrated in one's profession.
Admission to the program requires prospective students to have the relevant professional experience. Applicants must therefore demonstrate a substantial actual professional work experience. The CHED Technical Panels may specify the minimum number of years of professional experience needed for their respective disciplines otherwise HEIs may impose the minimum number.
The professional doctoral degree program has at least twenty-four (24) units of coursework and twelve (12) units of practiced-based dissertation.
The students are required to pass a comprehensive examination. As a final output, the students must also have completed a practice-based research. There shall be a public defense of the dissertation. The HEI announces the schedule of the defense through posting in its HEI website/social media or sending email to its academic community.
A practice-based research is an original investigation to gain new knowledge partly by means of practice and the outcomes of that practice. For a doctoral dissertation, claims of originality and contribution to gaining new knowledge may be demonstrated through creative outcomes such as designs, music, digital media, performances and exhibitions. 9 SDAaTC
C. Other Types of Doctoral Degrees
1. Straight Master's-Doctoral (SMD) Program
In the Straight Master's-Doctoral (SMD) program, both the Master's and Doctoral degrees can be earned together. Only up to 20% of coursework maybe common for both programs.
The HEI must have strict admission and retention policies. Students must be enrolled full-time and dropping of courses is not allowed. Students who fail at least one (1) course/subject shall automatically be disqualified from the program. If students are not able to complete the program within the maximum time period determined by the HEI subject to the approval of the Commission, the students shall also be disqualified from the program. The HEI shall determine the appropriate exit plan for disqualified students.
The students shall be required to pass a comprehensive examination corresponding to both programs. For programs leading to a PhD, the students have to complete a dissertation that has been publicly defended and have at least one (1) publication, specifically, evidence of acceptance to an internationally or nationally refereed and indexed journal or have a juried creative work outlet. For programs leading to a professional doctoral degree, the students have to complete a practice-based research and dissertation that has been publicly defended.
2. Dual Doctoral Degrees (DDD) Program
The Dual Doctoral Degrees (DDD) program provides the opportunity for students to pursue doctoral degrees in two fields of study and comply with the requirements of the two degrees simultaneously.
A common course work may be applied for the two doctoral degrees, but only up to 20% of the required coursework for both degrees may be credited.
The HEI must have strict admission and retention policies. Students must be enrolled full-time and dropping of courses/subjects is not allowed. Students who fail at least one (1) course/subject shall automatically be disqualified from the program, but they may enter the regular program of one of the doctoral degrees being pursued. The HEI shall determine the appropriate exit plan for disqualified students.
The maximum number of years to complete the program shall be determined by the HEI subject to the approval of the Commission. If students are not able to complete the program within the prescribed period, they can only continue with the regular program of one of the two doctoral degrees.
For two (2) PhDs, the students shall be required to pass a comprehensive examination and complete a dissertation covering both programs. The dissertation should be publicly defended. The final output shall be at least one (1) publication, specifically evidence of acceptance to an internationally or nationally refereed and indexed journal or juried creative work outlet.
For two (2) professional doctoral degrees, the students shall be required to pass a comprehensive examination and complete a practice-based research and dissertation integrating topics under each program.
SECTION 8. Summary Matrix of Graduate Programs . —
The succeeding table summarizes the types of graduate programs and their corresponding admission requirement, required minimum number of units, major requirement and student outputs.
Types of Graduate Programs
Minimum Admission Requirement