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
peoples 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 masters 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.