MASDS Applications are Open!

The Master of Arts in Social and Development Studies or MASDS Applications are open for the 2nd Semester, AY 2022-2023. Interested applicants may contact the Graduate Program Office through their social media page or through their email address at gpo.upbaguio@up.edu.ph .

The MASDS Program is a graduate degree program that utilizes approaches from various social science disciplines to analyze the problems and issues of development. Development is a complex process that brings about change not only in the economy, but also in the politics, culture, and ecology of a society. This has found strong affirmation from the varied experiences of peoples in different countries across regions of the world. The program of study follows the lead of scholars of development studies who harness social science theory together with empirical and policy analysis to provide a better understanding of the process of development.

The MASDS is suited to BA/BS degree holders with sufficient background in the social sciences (anthropology, psychology, history, philosophy, economics, political science) and intend to join government and non-governmental institutions engaged in the planning and design of social and economic development at local, national, or international levels.

To obtain the degree, the student completes 36 units (including 6 units of master’s thesis or 3 units of seminar paper) and passes a comprehensive examination. The degree allows for a thesis or a non-thesis option.

Requirements

Applicants should possess an undergraduate degree with at least 12 units of social science courses. The undergraduate cumulative weighted average grade must be at least 2.5 or 80%.  Applicants must pass the graduate scholastic aptitude test and an interview by a faculty committee. Admitted applicants with insufficient background in economic or social analysis may be required to enroll in an appropriate undergraduate course.

Documents to be Submitted for Application:

• Duly accomplished Application Form for admission to graduate studies in UP Baguio
• Reference Report from one (1) immediate supervisor or employer and two (2) from former professors
• Official Transcript of Records of previous academic degrees (original, and certified photocopy of the original)
• For working students, an official permit from his/her employer or supervisor indicating the maximum number of units the student is allowed to enroll
• For married women, photocopy of Marriage Certificate*
• Three copies of recent photo (2” x 2”)
• Payment of application fee (PhP 250)

* The requirement of a photocopy of marriage certificate is only for the purposes of proof of change in name from previous academic records.

The MASDS Applications are open until 12 January 2023.