Undergraduate Programs

• Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts. This four year program seeks to produce graduates with a thorough understanding of the communication process within the context of man's cultural and historical heritage. Based on a humanistic outlook, the program seeks to give the student a broad background in the humanities, social sciences, physical and biological sciences, as well as training in writing, speech communication, theater arts, public relations and advertising. The student may choose to conduct a thesis, a practicum or take an education option. In the education option, the student takes a minimum of 18 units of professional education courses as required by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports for high school teachers.




• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. This four-year program, which has three option namely thesis, non-thesis and practicum options, complements the science and technology-oriented program of the technical colleges and institutes of UPLB. It seeks to combine the breadth of the liberal arts tradition, the depth of specialization in the field of sociology, and the flexibility of a wide range of electives in the social sciences.




• Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. This four-year program harnesses the student's critical thinking, creativity, innovativeness and sensitivity to Philippine issues. The thrust of the program is to produce graduates who will exert pioneering efforts to uncover, highlight, and examine indigenous Filipino thought through speculative analysis. The program emphasizes the role of research and extension in the uncovering of the richness of the Filipino mind imbedded in Philippine culture, arts, politics and folkways throughout Philippine history.




• Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics. This four-year curriculum provides an updated training in applied mathematics. It offers two options to the student, namely, Operations Research and Actuarial Science. Both require 145 units, 22 units of which are specialized courses in each of the two options.




• Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics. The degree program allows the students to choose a specialization in the following fields: (1) Instrumentation Physics, (2) Computer Hardware Physics, and (3) Agricultural Physics. The initial research thrusts of the Applied Physics Laboratory are in these areas. The student shall be required to take the courses covering pure and applied physics and area-specialized courses.

  The core courses are classified into two categories: pure physics and applied physics. The ability to solve practical problems involving physics naturally rests on one's knowledge of the fundamental concepts and principles in physics. The student acquires this knowledge through a series of course in pure physics covering mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, statistical and thermal physics, structure of matter and methods of mathematical physics. On the other hand, the actual applications of the principles learned in the pure physics courses invariably involve the measurement of a physical quantity using an instrument. It may even require the design of an instrument. Thus, to acquire necessary background, students take applied physics courses, covering electronics and environmental physics.




• Bachelor of Science in Biology. This four-year program provides the student with a holistic view of life through the integration of the biological sciences such as zoology, botany and microbiology with the physical sciences like physics and chemistry. It allows the student to choose a major from the following fields and disciplines of Biology: Cell Biology, Ecology, Genetics, Microbiology, Systematics, Wildlife Biology and Zoology. To meet the major requirements, the students may select any of the following options; (1) 6 units thesis plus a minimum of 24 units of major course work, (2) 3 units special problem plus a minimum of 27 units of course work, (3) 6 units practicum plus a minimum of 24 units of major course work, (4) a minimum of 30 units of major course work, and (5) education option which includes 18 units of education courses and 12 units of specialized courses.




• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. The curriculum is a four-year program designed to prepare students for a career in research and/or teaching in chemistry. It includes a minimum of 60 units of chemistry as required by the Board of Chemists under the Professional Regulation Commission and three units of electives.




• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This four year degree program was instituted in response to the demand for staff with a high level of technical and professional training required by business, industry, government and the academic community to perform specific functions ranging from the lowest level professional to the highest level researcher and educator. The program aims to prepare the students for instruction, research activities related to the discipline, for advanced studies in Computer Science, and to train them to develop software systems. Three areas of computer science constitute the core courses of the program, namely, system software, data base management and theory of computing.




• Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics program is a four-year curriculum designed for students who wish to study mathematics as a science. The curriculum aims to equip students with broad knowledge and training in pure mathematics and prepare them for research and teaching mathematics at the college and high school level.




• Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This curricular program is an improved version of the BS Education program as far as science and mathematics teaching is concerned. Having 27 to 39 units of major courses (all content courses) and 3 minor areas that carry 12 to 24 units each, the BS MST program is designed to yield versatile teachers who can teach with proficiency all high school mathematics and science course.

  The BS MST program offers an integrated curriculum that is highly focused on mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics. The 16 units of MST courses, which are lacking in the BSED curriculum, will produce graduates who can teach and do action research using current technology, strategies and methods. In addition, the program will produce competent teachers who deal more on the development of higher-order thinking skills among students.




• Bachelor of Science in Statistics. This four-year program provides the students with a solid foundation in statistics and mathematics through core and major courses, and an exposure to one or two substantive fields through 24 units of electives and specialization courses. A normal plan of course work includes basic mathematics up to advanced calculus, 47 units of statistics, 30 units of mathematics and computer science courses and 45 units outside statistics and mathematics.

In addition to the above degree programs, the College of Arts and Sciences also offers the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Chemistry, a five-year degree program offered jointly with the College of Agriculture. This course prepares students mainly for research, especially in agriculture and related fields. The curriculum includes 12 units of specialized courses and provides for a minimum of 60 units of chemistry as required by the Board of Chemists under the Professional Regulation Commission. Agricultural courses such as crop protection and animal science, and crop science are also required.

Diploma Programs

• Diploma in Computer Science. The degree program addresses the need for advanced training in information systems and computing theory among the professionals in the computer industry with minimal training in the field of computer science. It is designed to enable the students to acquire the necessary background in computer science in preparation for advanced studies; to gain knowledge and skills in computer science as applied in their field of work; and to develop and improve their techniques in the practice of proper design and development of application software. The core courses provide students with a solid foundation in computer science concepts such as discrete structures in computer science, programming and problem solving process, computer systems and organization, the interaction between data structures and algorithms, and the basics of data communications. The specialization courses provide the knowledge and skills needed by the students in their advanced studies and field of work. There are two areas of specialization a student may choose from: Information Systems and Computing Theory.
• Diploma in Statistics. The program is offered in both residential and distance education modes. It addresses the need for advanced training in Statistics among professionals in the Philippine Statistical System who have minimal training in statistics. The program requires a total of 30 units of course work and 3 units of research work, which can be completed within one year. This will enable the students to acquire knowledge and skills needed in the collection, processing and organization of data to generate information; correctly and effectively apply statistical methodology in their job; provide the necessary prerequisites for advanced education in statistics; and develop a broader perspective on the role of statistics in the Philippine statistical system.
• Diploma in Physical Education. The program provides the necessary professional training to teachers (in region IV) who are teaching Physical Education but are not degree holders in Physical Education. Specifically, this course is aimed at developing the proficiency and competencies of teachers not merely in teaching, but also in officiating and coaching various Physical Education activities.

The educational requirement to obtain enrollment for a diploma in P.E. is any Bachelor's Degree from a recognized institution of higher learning. Of the 31 units mandated, 15 of these are core courses and the remaining 16 units are major courses. This program of study may be completed in four semesters.

Master of Science Programs

• Master of Science in Zoology. The graduate program is designed to develop the ability of students to undertake critical inquiry and independent research for the advancement of knowledge in zoology as well as develop professional leadership in biological sciences.
• Master of Science in Wildlife. A joint program of the Institute of Biological Sciences, CAS and Forest Biological Sciences, CFNR. The program was able to expand the fields of specialization from the original 2 to 8 fields namely: vertebrate pests, physiology, parasitology, limnology, invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology and wildlife biology.
• Master of Science in Botany. The main goal is to develop the ability of the students to undertake critical inquiry and independent research, to widen their field of knowledge as well as to develop their professional leadership. The fields of specialization are: economic botany, morphology/anatomy, systematics, plant physiology, pollination biology, phycology and plant ecology.
• Master of Science in Genetics. The program furnishes the students with a finer background in biology with specialization in genetics. It prepares the student for competence in instruction, research and extension. An applicant for admission must hold a B.S. degree preferably in the biological sciences.
• Master of Science in Microbiology. The program aims to produce highly qualified graduates needed primarily in learning and research institutions and industries. The graduate shall be equipped with comprehensive knowledge and skills in microbiology supported by conception in other fields (molecular biology, biochemistry, statistics, biotechnology and genetics).
• Master of Science in Statistics. The program aims to produce quality graduates with adequate and balanced training in both statistical theory and applications. The program requires a minimum of 24 units of course work, 1 unit of seminar, and 6 units of thesis. At least 15 units must be in major field and at least 9 units in minor field.
• Master of Science in Mathematics. The program involves course work and the conduct and presentation of a research thesis. The program consist of 31 units, broken down as follows: 15 units core courses, 9 units cognate courses, 1 unit graduate seminar and 6 units thesis.
• Master of Arts in Sociology. The program, aside form the quantitative paradigms in social science, addresses the current developments in the field of sociology and enhances the competence in the sub-areas of organization, social psychology and demography.
• Master of Science in Computer Science. The program addresses the need for advanced formal training of professional leaders in computer science. Candidates are expected to acquire a broad knowledge of the discipline and related fields like statistics, economics, mathematics, management, and other sciences like environmental science, agriculture and forestry. This program has attracted not only Filipino students but also a number of students from Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
• Master of Information Technology.
• Master of Arts in Communication Arts (MACA) and Master in Communication Arts (MCA). These are the two components of the same graduate program; the MACA being the thesis option and the MCA, the non-thesis option. The courses are designed not only for AB Communication Arts graduates but also for teachers, writers, information officers, and other communication practitioners. The courses will train them to be communicators with a strong generalist orientation balanced with advanced training in the various forms and styles of oral and written communication.
• Master of Science in Biochemistry. The program equips the student with a comprehensive background in the major areas of Biochemistry. A minimum of two semesters of residence and 25 units of course work are required. Cognate courses may be in any of the following areas: chemistry, entomology, food science, genetics, horticulture, microbiology, nutrition or physiology.
• Master of Science in Agricultural Chemistry. The program allows the student to take graduate courses and do research work relevant to Agricultural Chemistry. A minimum of 24 units of course work, with at least 18 units in the graduate level, and 1 unit of graduate seminar are required.
• Master of Science in Chemistry. The program allows the student to acquire a strong and comprehensive background in the traditional areas of chemistry at the master's level with specialization in a particular branch of chemistry. This program also equips the graduate with the principles and tools in order to (a) teach chemistry courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and (b) undertake and supervise research institutions and industry. A minimum of four semesters of residence is required.

Ph.D. Programs

• Doctor of Philosophy in Genetics. The program furnishes the students with firm background in Biology with specialization in genetics. It also prepares the student for competence in instruction, research and extension. For admission to the Ph.D. program he must hold an M.S. degree in the biological sciences and must have taken at least 6 units of intermediate genetics courses.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Botany. The program develops the ability of the students to undertake critical inquiry and independent research, to widen their field of knowledge, as well as to develop their professional leadership. The fields of specialization are: morphology-anatomy, systematics, plant physiology, pollination biology, phycology and plant ecology.
• Ph.D. by research in Botany. The program is offered to qualified candidates who have already learned a substantial experience in research. It is aimed to improve further the research skills of the candidate in the areas of morphology/anatomy and systematics under the professional guidance of specialists.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology. The program aims to produce highly qualified graduates needed primarily in learning and research institutions and industries. They shall possess in-depth skills in solving specific problems in microbiology in the context of providing the basic needs of man: food, health and energy. In addition, they should be capable of analyzing problems in microbiology, stimulating critical inquiry and conducting independent research.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics. The graduate student is expected to have a wide exposure to actual problems in statistical theory and methods through practicum in statistical consultation. As an option, the student may choose to gain experience in university-level teaching. This involves assisting in a course or courses for one semester.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science. Two modes are offered: the residential mode and the research mode. The program is envisioned to develop and enhance advanced scholarship in applied and theoretical computer science, and to train and develop quality manpower for computer science education and the computer industry in the Philippines.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Chemistry. The program provides a comprehensive training in advanced Agricultural Chemistry. A minimum of four semesters and one summer of residence is required; this is equivalent to satisfying 24 units of course work beyond the M.S. degree with at least 28 units in the graduate level.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry. The Ph.D. in Biochemistry program aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the basic concepts as well as the fast accumulating new body of knowledge in biochemistry. With this program, capability to undertake a thorough and intensive research in problem areas like plant and animal nutrition, biotechnology, industrial bioprocesses and environmental studies will be enhanced, thus supporting the national goal of industrialization and sustainable productivity. A minimum of six semesters of residence is required for the degree. The candidate must have 24 units of course work and 2 graduate seminars. Cognate courses may be in any of the following areas: nutrition, physiology, genetics, microbiology, plant, animal and food sciences.