Master of Arts in Social and Development Studies

Program Description

      The Master of Arts in Social and Development Studies (MASDS) 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.

Program Learning Outcomes

PLO 1. Analyze the processes and dimensions of development, its issues, and problems using approaches from the social sciences and philosophy.
PLO 2. Produce independent research on topics that relate to development and other social issues.
PLO 3. Design appropriate development proposals and initiatives using social scientific knowledge.
PLO 4. Generate ethical social science research and development outcomes.
PLO 5. Develop lifelong learning competencies that support personal and professional growth.

MASDS Handbook

MASDS Brochure

List of Thesis and Seminar Papers

CURRICULUM MAP

Total Number of Units: 36

Master of Arts in Social and Development Studies

FIRST YEAR
First Semester Second Semester
Course Units Course Units
SDS 201 3 SDS 290 3
SDS 202 3 SDS 299 3
SDS 271 3 Qualified Elective 2 3
Qualified Elective 1 3 Qualified Elective 3 3
Total 12 Total 12
SECOND YEAR
NON-THESIS PLAN
Course Units Course Units
Qualified Elective 4 3
Elective 1 3
Elective 2 3
SDS 279 3
Total 12
THESIS PLAN
Course Units Course Units
Elective 1 3
Elective 2 3
SDS 300 6
Total 12

LIST OF MASDS FACULTY

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE

  1. BANGSOY, Karin Shana C.
  2. BAUTISTA, Verna Liza D.
  3. CIENCIA, Alejandro Jr. N.
  4. COLONGON, Arellano Jr A.
  5. CRUZ, Gladys A.
  6. ESTRADA, Dianni Adrei B.
  7. LAMAYO, Renz Venielle L.
  8. PEÑALBA, Maileenita A.
  9. ZAMORA, Christian Marvin B.

DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY, SOCIOLOGY, AND PSYCHOLOGY

  1. BALMORES-PAULINO, Rozel S.
  2. BAUTISTA, Maria Victoria D.
  3. DIAZ, Maria Ana B.
  4. DIAZ, Victoria Lourdes C.
  5. JOSEF, Jennifer C.
  6. MICKLAY, Grazielle K.
  7. PALISOC, Aira Jessa B.
  8. SALINAS-RAMOS, Tala Aurora T.
  9. SALVADOR-AMORES, Analyn V.
  10. SAN LUIS, Maria Cecilia R.
  11. SIBAL, John Vincent C.

DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY

  1. ABAYAO, Leah E.
  2. AGRA, Kelly Louise Rexzy P.
  3. DAGUIO, Keith Gerard L.
  4. DEMANDANTE, Darlene O.
  5. DELOS REYES, Charita A.
  6. FLYNN, Ruadhán J.
  7. FUNGO, Joyce Estelle S.
  8. LUGA, Jose Matthew P.
  9. MUÑOZ, Analyn B.
  10. ORPILLA, John Joseph Isaiah R.
  11. ORTILE, Rafael Antonio D.
  12. REGINALDO, João Paulo D.
  13. YOSHIY, Franz Joseph II C.

ALUMNI

Batcagan-Tayag, Mia Alma M.
Batcagan-Tayag, Mia Alma M.
Baclig, Divina Gracia M.
Baclig, Divina Gracia M.
Ejercito, Robert G.
Ejercito, Robert G.
Gascon, Enjeilu Sabina A.
Gascon, Enjeilu Sabina A.
Bautista, John Angel N.
Bautista, John Angel N.
Bolislis, Daryll Jade R.
Bolislis, Daryll Jade R.
Villanueva-Trinidad, Nerizza Faye G.
Villanueva-Trinidad, Nerizza Faye G.
Magaliao, Kathleen Irah B.
Magaliao, Kathleen Irah B.
Parungao, Charlene B.
Parungao, Charlene B.
My experience in the MASDS program encompassed both strengths and challenges. One initial concern was the volume and length of the required readings, which can be overwhelming at first. However, the relevance and intellectual rigor of the topics made the learning process engaging, allowing me to navigate the readings more efficiently over time. Overall, I found the assignments to be well designed and intellectually enriching, contributing meaningfully to my learning experience.

I particularly valued the courses on culture, ethics, and the environment, as these areas aligned closely with my academic interests and professional goals. The elective on development aid was especially noteworthy, as it was both engaging and highly relevant for individuals seeking to work in and gain deeper exposure to the development sector.

Despite these strengths, I also encountered some limitations. Securing an academic adviser proved challenging, and the program tended to be highly academic in orientation. While this theoretical grounding is essential, development practice extends beyond conceptual frameworks. Greater integration of practical and programming‑oriented skills would enhance the program’s applicability and better prepare future students, particularly those seeking to advance their careers in the development sector.
BACLIG, Divina Grace M.
Alumni 2024
The memorable part was when I was working on my seminar paper. As a regular employee, it was challenging to budget my time for work and schooling. I remember when I had to get absent from work for 4 accumulative times to finish my paper and work on it single handedly ( of course with the guidance of my adviser). I need to stay in the library for the whole day and it was exhausting and brain draining. That experience truly affirmed that patience and perseverance are important in achieving important milestone in life.
EJERCITO, Robert Garcia
Alumni 2024
Beyond the moments when I was able to successfully meet all my seemingly impossible requirements, the highlights of my MASDS journey are the open discussions we had in our classes, where our professors encouraged us to think critically and dive deeper into every development issue. These discussions also gave us the freedom to share our personal insights and learn from each other’s experiences. Among my most memorable experiences were the nerve-wracking class presentations and deliberations, which ultimately became some of the most fulfilling moments of the program, as the constructive feedback from both our professors and classmates made every learning session more meaningful.
DOMONDON, Enjeilu Sabina Gascon
Alumni 2024
Since we have been enrolled during the pandemic, it was memorable that we were able to learn despite being away from the classroom. Being able to join classes with students even outside the Region is also worth remembering since it also broadened our learning experience.
VILLANUEVA-TRINIDAD, Nerizza Faye Gali
Alumni 2024
Since we have been enrolled during the pandemic, it was memorable that we were able to learn despite being away from the classroom. Being able to join classes with students even outside the Region is also worth remembering since it also broadened our learning experience.
BAUTISTA, John Angel Nevado
Alumni 2025
In my second semester, I enrolled for a 9-unit load. I wasn't a full time student. I was teaching at that time. I had Social Science Concepts, Political Economy, and Community Psychology - all requiring papers and think pieces for almost every week.

That might be the most insane semester for me - juggling a five to six-prep work for my teaching classes, and writing think pieces from at least 5 articles assigned weekly, plus presentations and research papers also due every week.

MASDS will make you mad. This is not for the faint hearted. 😀
MAGALIO, Kathleen Irah B.
Alumni 2025
One of the most memorable experiences I had in the MASDS program was during the conduct of my thesis, where I had the opportunity to engage with single mothers and listen to their life stories, struggles, and aspirations. Their resilience, sacrifices, and strength deeply moved me and gave me a broader understanding of the realities faced by marginalized sectors. Beyond fulfilling an academic requirement, the experience became a meaningful journey of learning and self-reflection that inspired me to become more compassionate, empathetic, and socially aware as an individual and future professional.
PARUNGAO, Charlene B.
Alumni 2025