De La Salle University - Manila

Graduate Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

• Questions about taking up Graduate Studies
• Questions about the Courses/Programs
• Questions about the Admission Examinations
  
• Questions about the Departmental Interview
• Questions about Finances
• Questions about Facilities and Resources
• Questions about Graduate Student Services
• Questions about the Admission Policies and Procedures
• I need more Assistance...

Questions about taking up graduate studies

1.Should I enroll in Graduate Studies?

This is not a simple question to answer. The answer is complex and would depend on your answers to the following questions:

• What can a graduate degree do for me? What are my intentions for enrolling?
• How necessary is it for me?
• In what way do I see my graduate degree contribute to my professional development? In what way do I see it contribute to my personal life?
• Do I have the time for study? Can I balance the demands of graduate studies along with my other present roles as parent, breadwinner, professional, etc.?
• Do I have the financial resources for graduate studies? (You need to deal with this question even if you intend to apply for scholarship. Graduate studies have other incidental expenses such as transportation, academic-related, food expenses, etc.)

Keep in mind that getting into graduate studies is a BIG commitment that will entail a lot of emotional, material (yes, even if you will be under scholarship) and time investment on your part. Discern well.

2.How would I know which degree program is for me?

The answer to this hinges on the answers you gave in the previous question. And you may need to look other factors, such as:

• The kind of career you have established in at least the past 2 years.
• The kind of skills or competencies you wish to develop.
• What is your career vision for the next 5 years and what kind of program will get you there.
• If you see your graduate degree as a means for economic mobility (e.g. going abroad), you could look at job trends and see what courses are in demand.

You could look at the program descriptions to help you understand the nature of the different programs available. There are various sites in the internet on career development which can help you in your decision making process.

3.What type of graduate students does DLSU-Manila looks for?

In terms of values, these are very clearly spelled out in our Mission Vision statement, to wit:

"Morally upright scholars who generate and propagate new knowledge for human development and social transformation."

Likewise we could refer to the portion of the Mission Statement which underscores the kind of individuals DLSU-Manila aims to develop, to wit:

"In an academic environment permeated by excellence and scholarship, the institution will train leaders, competent professionals, scholars, researchers and entrepreneurs, who will participate actively in improving the quality of life in Philippine society".

You can view our Vision Mission Statement

Other specific qualities are as follows:

• Potential for research
• Ability to manage stress and time effectively. For those who are not aware of the trimester system, the pacing is fast and very demanding. There are very few breaks in between, and the rigors of the academic life would require energy and time for classes, library work, and accomplish individual as well as group reports.
• Oral and written proficiency in the use of the English language, as it is the medium of instruction.
• As an adult, we expect you to be capable of independent learning, because you will be primarily responsible for defining and pursuing your learning agenda.
• Ability to deal effectively with different types of people. DLSU-Manila is a melting pot of different cultures, with almost 15,000 students from all over the country and from different parts of the world, it is inevitable that you will be exposed to a diversity of views and practices.
• Finally, technology-literate, particularly in the use of the computer and the internet. This will allow you to navigate yourself more efficiently inside the university. Most of the systems of DLSU-Manila are automated and that includes among others, the enrollment process. Likewise, a substantial part of your readings and sources for your research projects will come from the library's on-line subscriptions. Not to mention that some of your classes may be conducted on-line or in the virtual classroom.

Questions about the courses

4.What is the usual schedule of classes?

The graduate programs of DLSU-Manila are designed for working students, classes are held from 6:00-9:00 in the weekdays and 8:00-6:30 on Saturdays. Each course takes about three (3) hours to finish.

5.How many units are there in my preferred program?

See Examination Type & Units Required

6.How long will it take me to finish my course?

a. How do I know if my undergraduate degree will qualify for the program I intend to apply for

Feel free to call us at +63 (2)303-13-78 or email pamplonam@dlsu.edu.ph.

b. To answer this question there are three premises you need to understand about the school calendar of DLSU-Manila:

i. First, it runs on trimester system. This means instead of having two academic cycles per year (as with the semestral) it has three. This are scheduled as follows:

• First Term : Last week of May to 2nd Week of September
• Second Term : 2nd week of September to 3rd week of December
• Third Term : January to 2nd week of April

ii. A fulltime graduate student can enroll as much as twelve (12) units per term. A part-time student can enroll at least three (3) units.

iii. One course is equivalent to three (3) units.

iv. A graduate student with an undergraduate degree not related to the program he or she has enrolled in may be asked to take an average of six (6) units.

v. A graduate student who did not reach a particular cut-off for English proficiency during the admission examination will be asked to enroll in at six (6) units or two (2) courses of Basic English.

c. For a conservative estimate, let us assume that you have to take six (6) units of pre-requisite courses and three (3) units of Basic English. Let us also assume that you will be a part-time student enrolling six (6) units per term. Here's how you are to compute the length of time it will take you to finish graduate studies :

i. Take the total number of units from the table in Question #3.
ii. Divide by 3 to get the total number of courses you are to take.
iii. Divide total number of courses with number of subjects to be enrolled per term (consider fractional values as 1 term). This will give you the number of terms you are to finish.
iv. Divide the number of terms into 3 and you would get the number of school years you would need to finish. Or determine the number divisible by 3, the remaining fraction is equivalent to the number of terms in addition to the school year.

Example :

• MA in Early Childhood = 36 units + 6 units prerequisites + 6 units English = 48
• 48 units/ 3 = 16 courses
• 16 courses/ 2 courses per term = 8 terms
• 8 terms total/ 3 terms per school year = 2.67 school years or 2 years (equivalent to 6 terms) and 2 terms. This could also be translated into 2 years and 7 months.

7. Who are the professors?

See our Faculty

Questions about the admission examinations

8. What type of examinations will be given ?

See Examination Type & Units Required

9. Can my work experience and previous degree be considered in my application?

See Work Experience and Degree Requirements

10. What are the provisions for exemptions ?

Exemptions for the admission examinations are regulated by the following policies:

1.1.Exemptions from taking the General Examinations will be granted to the following:

• All doctoral applicants (but will have to take the essay portion of the exam).
• Applicants for Master of Arts in Language and Literature-Filipino (MALL-FIL)
• Applicants for Master of Arts in Philippine Studies (MAARFIL)
• Applicants for the Master in Arts in Religious and Values Education under the agreement between TRED and Our Lady of Peace Guidance Center.
• Applicants who passed the following accredited examinations:
• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) with a cut-off score of 400 for applicants for all degree programs from the College of Business and Economics.
• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) with a cut-off score of 400 for applicants for the College of Liberal Arts, College of Education, College of Science, College of Computer Studies and College of Engineering.

1.2. Exemptions from taking the Essay Test will be granted to the following:

• Applicants who passed the following English Language Proficiency Examinations:
• TOEFL with a cut-off score of 550 for paper-based test; 220 for computer-based, and 85 for internet-based.
• IELTS with a cut-off score of Band 6 on all areas and overall score.

1.3. Exemptions to take both General Examination and the Essay Test will be granted to the following:

1.3.1.Applicants from the straight programs:

• BS-MS Industrial Engineering.
• BS-MS Electronics and Communications Engineering.
• BS-MS Computer Science.

1.3.2. Applicants receiving scholarships from institutions with standing agreements with De La Salle University-Manila:

• UBCHEA
• DOST
• PCIERD
• PCASTRD
• Tan Yan Kee Foundation for Masters of Education in Physics and Chemistry.
• AUN-SEED NET (for College of Engineering Applicants only)

1.3.3. Applicants for graduate programs approved for total exemptions:

• RELC-TESOL graduates for Masters in English Language Education.
• Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFACREA)
• Straight/Ladderized PhD programs are required to take the admission examinations (general and essay tests).

You can view other policies on testing in this link

See Policies on Testing

Questions about the departmental interview

11. How would I know if I am eligible for the departmental interview?

After 10 to 12 working days upon taking the admission examination, you are asked to call the Graduate Admission Office to know if you can proceed to the interview.

12. Who will set the interview?

You will be the one to set the interview with the Program Coordinator.
See Coordinator's Directory

13. What can I expect?

Among many others, the program coordinator will assess your intentions to undertake graduate studies, as well as your potential to contribute to the development of the field or program. It is also a chance for you to ask about the program, the faculty and the schedule of classes.

Questions about finances

14.How much is the tuition and fees?

First, you need to get the cost per unit, miscellaneous and laboratory expense from this link. Then multiply the cost per unit from the total number of units of your preferred program, add nine (9) units (for conservative estimates, especially if you are coming from a non-related undergraduate degree, add 6 units and 6 units for English proficiency, in case your admission exam results didn't make the cut-off). You can determine this through this link. Then add the miscellaneous and laboratory expenses.

Example :

• MA in Early Childhood = 36 units + 6 units prerequisite + 6 units English= 48
• Master's Program per unit for CED = P1,105.00 x 48 = P53,040.00
• *Plus New Student and Miscellaneous Fees 4,684.00

** PROJECTED TOTAL TUTION & FEES P57,724.00
*Applicable only for the first term enrollment.
** Subject to adjustment.

If you would want to know how much you need to prepare for the first term of your enrollment. Multiply per unit cost by the number of units you intend to enroll. (6 units are advisable for part-timers while 12 units is the maximum for fulltime students). Then add the New Student and Miscellaneous Fees.

Example :

• Assuming you'll enroll in 6 units of MA in Early Childhood
• Master's Program per unit for CED = P1,105.00 x 6 = P 6,630.00
• Plus New Student and Miscellaneous Fees 4,684.00

**PROJECTED TUITON & FEES FOR 1st TERM P 11,314.00
** Subject to adjustments.

15.What are the provisions for scholarships?

See Scholarships

Questions about facilities and resources

16.Does DLSU-Manila have dormitory provisions?

DLSU-Manila has no dormitory provision for graduate and international students. However, DLSU-Manila is surrounded by different residential units ranging from bed-spacing (the cheapest) to posh condominium units.

17.Is there provision for parking?

Students with vehicles can park their cars at the sports complex. Parking tickets could be bought upon enrollment.

18.How accessible is DLSU-Manila to public transport?

DLSU-Manila can be reached using the Light Rail Transit 1, which is connected to LRT 2 (northbound) and the MRT. Taft Avenue is a frequent route of Jeepneys, FX and taxi cabs.

Questions about graduate student services

19.What are the services I can avail of as a student of DLSU-Manila?

The Student Personnel Services is the department that takes charge of ensuring the welfare of all students in the university. It has eleven (11) offices all specializing in different aspects of student life. (Refer to link in DLSU website on Student Personnel Services)

Questions about the admission policies and procedures

20.What is the procedure for admission?

See Admission/Enrollment Procedure

21.What are the policies on admissions?

The following are our general admission policies. You could also view this at this link

See Admission/Enrollment Procedure

• For DLSU student, He/She must finish or withdraw from the present program before he/she is allowed to apply for another program.
• Final admission depends on three basic criteria :
  • Completed a four-year bachelor's degree (for masteral degree applicants) and master's degree (for doctoral applicants).
  • Passes the Graduate Admission Examination.
  • Passes the interview with the Academic Department.
• Applicants who fail to submit documents within 30 working days from signing the Notice of Admission will have their enrollment for the following term suspended until he/she submits all required documents.
• Applicants filing for re-processing of applications will only be considered if all pertinent documents are submitted to GAO. He/she will be given one schoolyear to file for re-processing.
• Application documents including examination results shall be treated with utmost confidentiality.
• All payment of fees shall be made to the DLSU- Accounting Office. All payments made shall be issued an official receipt.
• Only confirmed applicants are allowed to enroll.
• The Confirmation Fee is non-refundable and shall be deducted from total amount of tuition and fees.
• Applicants who submit fraudulent documents will automatically be disqualified from admission and shall be black-listed from pursuing any programs in De La Salle University.

22. If I have taken the exam but was not able to enroll, until when can I apply for re-processing?

An applicant who has taken the Admissions Examination but did not enroll/proceed for valid reasons shall be given a maximum of one (1) SCHOOL YEAR before his or her application is invalidated.

23. If I have not taken the exam but has submitted the documents, until when can I apply for re-processing?

An applicant who submitted his/her application but did not take the Admission Examination shall be given one (1) TERM or an equivalent of 90 working days, before his or her application is invalidated.

24. Can I enroll two degrees at the same time?

No. An applicant is allowed only to enroll in one program at a time.

25. If I failed in my first application, can I re-apply again?

If you would want to apply in the same program, you have to wait for one more school year to apply for re-processing. If it is a different program, you can apply the following application term.

26. Can I get my documents back in case I am not admitted or have changed my mind about my application?

Yes, the graduate admission office will give you back all your documents should any of the above incidents occur.

I need more assistance

If you have other questions which the above answers have not given, you can call us up at +63(2)-303-1378 or 524-46-11 local 468. Or you could email our Admission Assistant, Ms. Jeck Pamplona: pamplonam@dlsu.edu.ph. We'll be happy to assist you.