Doctor of Social Development Program

Faculty Members

Aleli B. Bawagan, Ph.D. Education

Sylvia E. Claudio, Ph.D. Psychology

Ma. Lyra T. Del Castillo, Ph.D. Guidance and Counseling

Oscar P. Ferrer, D. Public Administration

Leocito S. Gabo, Ph.D. Philippine Studies

Jeremias T. Leones, Ph.D. Philippine Studies

Emmanuel M. Luna, Ph.D. Urban and Regional Planning

Lilly V. Mangubat, Ph.D. Sociology

Rosalinda Pineda-Ofreneo, Ph.D. Philippine Studies

Judy M. Taguiwalo, Ph.D. Philippine Studies

Ma. Theresa V. Tungpalan, Ph.D. Education

Professorial Lecturers:

Sammie P. Formilleza, Ph.D. Philippine Studies

Sylvia H. Guerrero, Ph.D. Sociology

Angelito G. Manalili, Ph.D. Philippine Studies

Rosario S. del Rosario, Ph.D. Philippine Studies

Amaryllis T. Torres, Ph.D. Psychology

Ma. Corazon J. Veneracion, Ph.D. Philippine Studies

About Doctor of Social Development Program

Social Development is an area of study that provides an analytical understanding of development issues linked to

social forces which influence the lives of multitudes of people. It is concerned with addressing social problems that

influence economic progress, human security and well-being, and innovates and analyzes strategies for the

enhancement of a people-centered development.

The Doctor of Social Development program puts emphasis on the development of knowledge from the ground, and

theorizing from below, as bases for the enrichment of teaching, scholarship, research, and practice in social

development.

It transcends disciplinal boundaries by taking the individual, the family, the community, organizations, and the larger

society as the focal points for the analysis of development issues and as the fulcrum for programs and interventions

aimed at the attainment of total human development.

The program is concerned with the analysis, reflection, formulation, and implementation of participatory processes in

development strategies and responses, to promote human rights and attain social justice, gender equality, and

people’s empowerment.

It aims to develop advanced competency among professionals, practitioners, and academics in Social

Development. Its objectives are:

1. To equip field Social Development practitioners with the conceptual and methodological tools to synthesize their

experiences, thus enabling them to theorize from below and contribute to the body of knowledge in social

development.

2. To prepare Social Development graduates with competencies in conceptualizing, formulating, and evaluating

social policies and programs, thus contributing to more relevant, effective, and efficient services for the poor and the

marginalized sectors.

3.To produce top caliber Social Development educators in both formal and non-formal setting in the fields of social

work, community development, women and development, and other related fields, thus enhancing the development

of the disciplines and becoming partners in the promotion of academic excellence in the field of social development.

4. To enable Social Development researchers, particularly in applied, participatory, action-oriented and feminist

research, to venture into the unexplored, to critique and identify potential sources of new ideas, at the same time

working for changes in the lives of the people and communities.

5. To train other Social Development professionals in identifying and integrating social factors, community based

approaches, gender and human rights dimensions in development initiatives, thus ensuring the social soundness of

the programs and projects and the protection of people and communities from the adverse consequences of

development.

Click here for the DSD Program Guide and Guidelines for Dissertation Writing

Requirements for the Completion of the Degree

Passing the qualifying examination to merit admission into the Doctor of Social Development Program after

completing 5 major courses (15 units)

Completion of all academic requirements for a degree in Doctor of Social Development as described in the

curricular framework

Framework of the Curriculum

Qualifications for Admission

Must have at least two years of practice in social development (direct practice, development scholarship,

teaching, social development administration);

Must have master’s degree with a general weighted average of at least 1.75 for the courses in the master;s

degree

Must submit a program of studies, including a concept paper, on the area of research the student is interested in;

Must have favorable recommendations from two previous professors or supervisors

Must pass an interview by the admission committee. For foreign applicants, interviews may be done through web

conferencing.