Advancing Knowledge, Developing Leaders

Legal Basis and Authority

The Graduate School operates under the following legal frameworks:

  • Republic Act No. 7722 (Higher Education Act of 1994)
  • CHED Memorandum Orders (e.g., CMO No. 15, s. 2019)
  • Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) Level 7 standards for Master's Programs

Governance and Organization

  • The Graduate School is headed by the Dean, assisted by Program Coordinators for MPA and MAED.
  • A Graduate School Council, Research and Ethics Committee, and administrative staff support governance and quality assurance.

Academic Programs Offered

  1. Master of Public Administration (MPA)
  2. Master of Arts in Education (MAED) – with majors as approved by CHED

Program Outcomes

Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)

Based on CMO. 15, s. 2019 (Aligned with PQF Level 7 – Master's Degree)

  • Demonstrate advanced theoretical and disciplinary knowledge by exhibiting mastery of educational theories, research, curriculum, assessment, leadership, and specialization areas, showing a clear understanding of the forefront of the discipline.
  • Exhibit research competence through the ability to design, conduct, analyze, and utilize original research, producing outputs suitable for publication or acceptance in refereed or indexed journals, thereby contributing to the advancement of educational practice and knowledge.
  • Apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills in education by analyzing complex issues, generating evidence-based solutions, and adapting creative and flexible approaches to diverse educational contexts.
  • Engage in self-directed and lifelong learning with a high degree of independence, continuously seeking professional growth and maintaining awareness of emerging trends, issues, and technologies in education.
  • Demonstrate leadership and professional practice by providing innovative, ethical, and effective management in educational settings, and by applying advanced methodological, technological, and supervisory skills in teaching and administration.
  • Communicate and collaborate effectively in both oral and written forms, working productively in interdisciplinary and multicultural teams, and engaging meaningfully with diverse cultural, social, and policy contexts at local, national, and global levels.

Master in Public Administration (MPA)

Aligned with PQF Level 7, Master's Degree, CMO 15, s. 2019

  • Demonstrate advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in public administration, governance, public policy, and development management, showing mastery of the discipline and the ability to engage with frontier issues in the field.
  • Exhibit research competence by designing, conducting, and utilizing research in public administration and governance, producing outputs suitable for publication or acceptance in refereed or indexed journals to inform evidence-based policymaking and practice.
  • Apply critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills to analyze complex governance and administrative issues, formulate strategic solutions, and recommend responsive policies and programs that address societal needs.
  • Exercise ethical, accountable, and professional leadership in public service by demonstrating integrity, transparency, and innovative management of institutions, programs, and resources.
  • Engage in self-directed and lifelong learning by pursuing continuous professional and personal growth, adapting to emerging governance challenges, technological advancements, and global development trends.
  • Communicate and collaborate effectively in oral and written forms, working in interdisciplinary, inter-agency, and multicultural teams, and engaging with diverse stakeholders in local, national, and international governance contexts.
  • Promote inclusive and participatory governance by upholding democratic values, human rights, and social justice in the design and implementation of public policies and programs.

Admission Policies and Requirements

Admission to the Graduate School is a selective process designed to ensure that only applicants with the necessary academic preparation, intellectual capacity, and professional maturity are admitted. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications prescribed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Graduate School Council, in addition to the specific requirements of the degree program.

Admission is a privilege, not a right, and the Graduate School reserves the authority to deny admission to applicants who fail to meet academic, professional, and ethical standards.

For Master's Programs

Applicants must:

  1. Hold a bachelor's degree relevant to the program applied for, earned from a recognized higher education institution.
  2. Have obtained a general weighted average (GWA) of at least 85% or its equivalent (2.0/B) in the undergraduate program.
  3. Submit the following documents:
    • Duly accomplished Application Form;
    • Official Transcript of Records (TOR) with remarks "for further studies" or "for graduate studies"; Certificate of Good Moral Character
    • Two (2) copies of 2x2 ID pictures;
  4. Pass an interview with the Dean/Program Chair or Admission Committee.

Additional Policies

  • Bridging or Qualifying Courses. Applicants whose undergraduate or master's degrees are in fields not closely aligned with the program applied for may be required to complete bridging or qualifying courses prior to full admission.

Bridging Programs

  • To address academic gaps of students whose bachelor's or master's degree is not aligned with the field they are applying for, MAEd applicants are required to take an additional six (6) units of professional education subjects, while MPA applicants must complete six (6) units of public administration subjects before they can be formally admitted to the Graduate School.

Transfer Students

Graduate students from other recognized higher education institutions may apply for transfer, subject to:

  • A maximum of nine (9) units of credited subjects (depending on program), provided the grade is not lower than 2.0 or its equivalent;
  • Submission of a transfer credential/honorable dismissal.

Curriculum Standards and Program Design

  • Programs comply with CHED PSGs and OBE framework. Minimum of 36 units required, including core, major, cognates, and thesis. Residency: at least 2 years, maximum 5 years.

Faculty Qualifications and Responsibilities

Qualifications of Graduate School Faculty (CMO 15, s. 2019)

  1. Academic Degree Requirements
    • Faculty teaching in graduate programs, especially at the doctoral level, must hold a doctoral degree in the discipline or an allied field.
    • For programs with a dearth of doctoral degree holders in the specific discipline, there is allowance for at least one (1) full-time faculty with a doctoral degree, with published works or creative/technology outputs; and additional faculty who are master's degree holders with doctoral units and a minimum publication.
  2. Scholarly Work / Research / Creative Work
    • Faculty must show a track record of scholarly work, including publications in refereed academic journals (national or international), indexed journals (e.g., Scopus, Web of Science), or recognized industry-/profession-based journals.
    • Creative or technology outputs recognized by reputable bodies also count, especially for disciplines where creative work is central.
  3. Teaching Capability and Role Limitations
    • Master's degree holders (with or without doctoral units) may teach in master's programs; however, those without a doctoral degree cannot serve as thesis/dissertation advisers in doctoral programs.
    • Also, in cases of master's programs where doctoral degree holders are rare, there must still be at least one full-time doctoral degree‐holding faculty with required publications or outputs.
  4. Minimum Number of Qualified Faculty
    • For Master's programs (Thesis Track), there shall be at least four (4) full-time faculty who have doctoral degrees in the discipline and with published works in refereed professional journals and/or creative/technology outputs.
    • If there is a dearth, at least 1 full-time doctoral degree holder plus at least 3 full-time master's degree holders with doctoral units and at least one refereed publication among them.
  5. Adviser-to-Student Ratio
    • The ratio for thesis/dissertation advising: typically, one (1) full-time faculty adviser per maximum of five (5) students.
  6. Panels for Thesis / Dissertation
    • Thesis/ panels members must have at least 3. All external panel members are from USLT
    • Adviser must be a doctoral degree holder with completed or ongoing research/creative work.

Graduate School Policies

Academic Standards and Procedures

Grading System

  • The Graduate School adopts the following grading scale for all academic subjects:
  • PG = CS + PE / 2, MG = CS + ME / 2, TFG = CS + FE / 2, FFG = PG + MG + TFG / 3
Numerical Grade Description Percentage Equivalent
1.0 Excellent 97–100%
1.25 Very Good 94–96%
1.5 Very Good 91–93%
1.75 Very Good 88–90%
2.0 Good 85–87%
2.25 Failed 82–84%
2.5 Failed 79–81%
2.75 Failed 76–78%
3.0 Failed 75%
5.0 Failed Below 75%

Narrative Policy on Grading

  • Highest and Lowest Grades. The highest grade that may be awarded is 1.0 (Excellent), while the lowest passing grade is 2.0 (Passed). A grade of 2.25 - 5.0 indicates failure.
  • No Conditional Grades. The Graduate School does not issue conditional grades. (such as 4.0 or "conditional failures.")
  • Incomplete (INC). An INC (Incomplete) is given only when a student has not completed certain course requirements due to valid reasons (e.g., illness, force majeure). The student must complete the requirements within one academic year; otherwise, the INC automatically becomes (5.0) (Failed).
  • Academic Rigor. Because graduate education requires higher academic performance, students are expected to maintain grades not lower than 2.0 in major subjects and thesis/dissertation writing. Programs may prescribe stricter retention policies as approved by the Graduate School Council.
  • Grade Appeals. A student who wishes to appeal a grade must file a written request with the Dean of the Graduate School within the prescribed period, following due process and institutional policies.

Retention and Academic Dismissal

  1. General Weighted Average (GWA).
    • A student must maintain a cumulative GWA of at least 2.0 in the graduate program.
    • For doctoral programs, some universities require a GWA of 1.75 for core/major courses.
  2. Failure in Courses.
    • A student who incurs a grade of (5.0) 2.25 (Failed) in two (2) subjects shall be automatically disqualified from the program.
    • A student who fails in thesis or dissertation writing is allowed only one (1) re-enrollment; a second failure shall mean permanent disqualification.
  3. Incomplete Grades.
    • A student who accumulates two (2) or more INCs will not be allowed to enroll in further courses until the deficiencies are completed.
  4. Residency Requirement.
    • The maximum residency for Master's programs is 5 years; for Doctoral programs, 7 years, inclusive of leaves of absence. Students who exceed this period may be readmitted only upon recommendation of the Graduate School Council and approval of the University President.
  5. Academic Integrity.
    • Any student found guilty of plagiarism, academic dishonesty, or unethical research practices shall be subject to dismissal from the program after due process.

Courses, Syllabi, and Instructional Policies

  • All courses have CHED-compliant syllabi. Delivery may be face-to-face, blended, or online. Maximum class size: 25 students. Attendance requirement: at least 80%.

Research and Thesis Policies

A. Thesis 1 Writers- Proposal Defense

  1. The student must propose a thesis title related to or connected with his/her field of work.
  2. An Advisership Form will be issued, allowing the student to choose a faculty adviser.
  3. The Dean reserves the right to change the adviser if deemed unfit or misaligned with the adviser's expertise.
  4. The student must complete the Thesis Proposal and submit it on the schedule set by the Dean.
  5. After submission, pay the Proposal Defense Fee at the Accounting Office.
  6. After the defense, obtain the Official Records of Comments, Suggestions, and Recommendations from the designated recorder.
  7. Revise the manuscript based on the official records and submit it to the Dean for verification of compliance with all feedback.
  8. Once approved, the student becomes eligible to enroll in Thesis 2.

B. Thesis 2 writers – Final Defense

  1. Submit the manuscript by the scheduled Final Defense date.
  2. Pay the Final Defense Fee at the Accounting Office.
  3. After the defense, accomplish all the Official Records of Suggestions and Recommendations given by the panel members.
  4. Present the revised manuscript to the Dean for review and approval.
  5. Once approved, proceed to the Acutis Center for AI and grammar scanning.
  6. Secure a Certificate of Clearance from the Acutis Center.
  7. Present the certificate and manuscript to the Dean for final approval.
  8. Upon approval, proceed with book binding.
  9. Apply for publication of the thesis paper.
  10. Present the Certificate of Publication to the Office of the Registrar.
  11. Apply for the release of OTR and Diploma.

Research & Publications Requirements

  • Master's students are required to publish at least one research article in a refereed journal prior to graduation.
  • Research involving human participants must undergo ethics review.

Comprehensive Examination Policy

  • Before a student can take the Comprehensive Examination, the following steps must be strictly followed:
  1. Secure a Clearance Form – The student must first go to the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School to secure a clearance form.
  2. Gather Required Signatures – The clearance form must be signed by:
    • The Librarian – certifying that the student has no library obligations.
    • The Registrar – providing a complete set of grades for all required subjects.
    • The Accounting Office – issuing an official receipt for the payment of the Comprehensive Examination fee.
  3. Submission and Exam Schedule – Once the clearance is complete, the student may take the Comprehensive Examination on the specific date, time, and venue set by the Dean of the Graduate School.

Announcement of Results:

  • After the examination, results will be announced and posted on the Graduate School bulletin board three (3) days after the exam. This timeframe allows professors to carefully check and evaluate the examinations.

Next Steps After Results:

  • If Passed – The student may proceed with enrollment and register for Thesis 1.
  • If Failed – The student will be advised to take a review study in the subjects failed in the Comprehensive Examination. Once ready, a Special Comprehensive Examination will be scheduled.
    • To take the special exam, the student must write a formal letter to the College President seeking approval.
    • Once approval is granted, the student must pay another Comprehensive Examination fee before taking the special exam.

Student Services, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

  • Scholarships and assistantships may be provided. Student services include counseling, campus ministry, IT services, and library support.

Academic Integrity, Ethics, and Plagiarism

Statement of Policy

  • The Graduate School upholds the highest standards of academic integrity and ethical conduct in all aspects of teaching, learning, research, and extension. Honesty, accountability, and respect for intellectual property are expected from all students, faculty, and staff.
  • Any act of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, cheating, falsification of data, or unethical research practices, is strictly prohibited and shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Academic Integrity Principles

  • Honesty in Scholarship. All submitted academic requirements examinations, reports, term papers, research proposals, theses, and dissertations must be the student's original work.
  • Proper Attribution. All ideas, words, data, and creative works borrowed from other sources must be properly cited in accordance with accepted referencing styles (e.g., APA).
  • Responsible Research. Research involving human participants, communities, or the environment must follow ethical standards set by the SLCB EXECOM Council and applicable laws (e.g., Data Privacy Act of 2012, Intellectual Property Code, National Ethical Guidelines for Health and Social Research).
  • Respect for Intellectual Property. Students and faculty must observe copyright laws and recognize the contributions of others in academic and professional work.

Definition of Academic Dishonesty

Acts that constitute academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to:

  • Plagiarism – presenting another person's work, ideas, or words, in whole or in part, as one's own without proper attribution.
  • Self-Plagiarism – reusing one's own previously submitted work without acknowledgment or approval.
  • Cheating – using unauthorized materials, information, or assistance in examinations or academic requirements.
  • Fabrication/Falsification – inventing or altering data, citations, research results, or official documents.
  • Ghostwriting – submitting work written by another person as one's own.
  • Contract Cheating – commissioning another person or service to produce academic work.

Plagiarism Detection and Sanctions

  1. Plagiarism Check. All theses, dissertations, and major research outputs shall undergo plagiarism detection software (e.g., Turnitin, Grammarly,) prior to oral defense. The acceptable similarity index is not more than 20%, excluding references, appendices, and common phrases.
  2. Sanctions.
    • First offense: Written reprimand and requirement to revise the work.
    • Second offense: Automatic failing grade in the subject/research course and suspension from the Graduate School for one (1) semester.
    • Third offense: Permanent dismissal from the Graduate School and disqualification from readmission.
  3. Thesis/Dissertation Sanctions. Any research found to contain substantial plagiarism or falsified data shall be invalidated. The student will be barred from re-enrollment in the same program.

Student and Faculty Responsibilities

  • Students must submit original work, acknowledge sources properly, and seek guidance when unsure about citation or ethical research conduct.
  • Faculty are expected to model ethical behavior, check student submissions for integrity, and ensure that graduate research is free from plagiarism and misconduct.

Research Ethics Clearance

Statement of Policy

  • All research conducted under the Graduate School particularly theses, and faculty-led projects must adhere to the highest standards of ethical research practice. To safeguard the rights, dignity, and welfare of participants and communities, no research involving human participants, indigenous knowledge, cultural communities, or the environment shall proceed without prior approval from the SLCB EXECOM or Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Student Code of Conduct and Discipline

  • The Graduate School is a community of scholars committed to the pursuit of advanced learning, truth, and service. Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity, ethical conduct, professionalism, and respect for others.

General Conduct Expectations

SLCB students are expected to:

  1. Respect the dignity and rights of all members of the academic community regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, social status, or political belief.
  2. Exhibit professionalism in interactions with faculty, staff, fellow students, and research participants.
  3. Observe honesty and integrity in all academic requirements, research activities, and professional practice.
  4. Comply with SLCB policies, national laws, and ethical standards governing academic and research activities.
  5. Demonstrate responsible leadership in academic and co-curricular undertakings.

Academic Responsibilities

SLCB students must:

  • Attend classes and academic activities regularly and punctually.
  • Submit original work; plagiarism, fabrication, or academic dishonesty are strictly prohibited.
  • Properly acknowledge sources and respect intellectual property rights.
  • Secure Research Ethics Clearance before undertaking research involving human participants, communities, or sensitive data.
  • Uphold fairness in group work, examinations, and collaborative research.

Prohibited Acts

The following acts constitute misconduct and are subject to disciplinary action:

Academic Violations
  • Plagiarism, cheating, falsification of documents, or misrepresentation.
  • Unauthorized use of AI tools or electronic devices to misrepresent work.
  • Fabrication or manipulation of research data.
Behavioral Violations
  • Disrespectful, abusive, or discriminatory behavior towards faculty, staff, peers, or community partners.
  • Harassment (verbal, physical, or online/cyber).
  • Substance abuse or intoxication within university premises.
  • Vandalism, theft, or destruction of school property.
Administrative Violations
  • Forging signatures, tampering with official records, or misusing university documents.
  • Unauthorized solicitation or collection of funds.
  • Misrepresentation of the university in outside dealings without authority.

Disciplinary Sanctions

Depending on the gravity of the offense, the following sanctions may be imposed:

  1. Warning – Written or verbal reprimand.
  2. Reprimand – Official written notice placed in the student's file.
  3. Restitution – Payment for damages or loss of property.
  4. Suspension – Temporary exclusion from class attendance and other privileges.
  5. Dismissal – Exclusion from the university with possible readmission.
  6. Expulsion – Permanent disqualification from re-enrollment in the university.

Due Process

  • Students shall be afforded due process in all disciplinary cases.
  • An investigation committee shall be formed to hear cases, recommend actions, and ensure fairness.
  • The student has the right to defend themselves, present evidence, and appeal decisions to higher authorities (Graduate School Dean, President, or Board of Trustees).

Graduation Requirements

  • To qualify for graduation and the conferment of a graduate degree, a student of the Graduate School of SLCB must meet the following requirements:
  1. Completion of Academic Requirements
    • Must complete all prescribed courses in the approved curriculum of the program (core, major, specialization, electives, cognates, and research courses).
    • Must obtain a general weighted average (GWA) of at least 2.0 or its equivalent, with no grade lower than 3.0 in any course.
  2. Residency Requirement
    • Must be officially enrolled for at least two (2) consecutive semesters prior to graduation.
    • For thesis or dissertation writers, enrollment in Thesis/Dissertation Writing is required during the term of the final defense and submission of the final manuscript.
  3. Comprehensive Examination
    • Must pass the comprehensive/qualifying examination after completion of all academic coursework.
    • The examination may be written and/or oral, covering the student's field of specialization.
  4. Thesis Policy Paper
    • Must successfully propose, defend, and submit a bound and digital copy of the thesis (for research-based programs) or capstone/policy paper (for professional programs).
    • Must comply with the format, documentation style, and submission requirements set by the Graduate School.
    • At least one (1) copy of the final bound manuscript shall be submitted to the Graduate School and the College Library.
  5. Research and Publication Requirement
    • Must present or publish at least one (1) scholarly paper derived from the thesis/dissertation/capstone in a refereed journal, institutional research journal, or recognized academic conference.
    • Proof of publication/presentation must be submitted before graduation.
  6. Extension Program Participation (When Applicable)
    • In line with SLCB's Five-Year Strategic Plan completed in June 2024, extension program requirements shall be gradually integrated beginning Academic Year 2025–2026.
    • Students may be required to participate in graduate school extension or community engagement projects relevant to their field of study.
  7. Clearance of Deficiencies and Obligations
    • Must have no academic deficiencies or incomplete grades.
    • Must have settled all financial obligations to the College.
    • Must have obtained official clearances from the Graduate School, Registrar, Finance Office, Library, and other relevant offices.
  8. Application for Graduation
    • Must file a formal application for graduation with the Registrar's Office within the deadline specified in the academic calendar.
    • Application must be endorsed by the Dean of the Graduate School and approved by the Academic Council.
  9. Approval and Conferment
    • Graduation is subject to the approval of the Academic Council and the final confirmation of the Board of Trustees of SLCB.
    • Degrees are conferred during the official commencement exercises of the College.
  10. Graduation Fees and Ceremonial Requirements
    • Must pay all prescribed graduation fees (e.g., diploma, transcript, ceremony fee).
    • Participation in the Baccalaureate Mass, Commencement Exercises, and other institutional traditions is encouraged as part of the College's academic culture.

Continuous Quality Improvement

  • Graduate programs undergo review every 3 years. Faculty and student evaluations are conducted each semester. Graduate tracer studies every 5 years.

Amendments and Revision of the Manual

  • Amendments are recommended by the Graduate School Council, endorsed by the Dean, and approved by the President. Revisions take effect the following academic year.

Enclosure Forms

  • The following enclosures are official forms used in the Graduate School of St. Louis College of Bulanao. They are designed to support academic and administrative processes, ensure transparency, and maintain compliance with institutional and CHED requirements.
  • All students and faculty members are expected to use the prescribed forms at the appropriate stages of their academic journey. Only forms issued and validated by the Graduate School Office shall be accepted.
Footer Design