Master of Arts in Development Policy

Master of Arts in Development Policy

Rationale

The Master of Arts in Development Policy (MADEPOL) program was established to satisfy the need of present and future professionals, in both the public and private sector, to acquire an advanced knowledge of development issues viewed within the context of competing theoretical and policy perspectives. This need has been enhanced by the continuous demands in the public sphere to professionalize and democratize the process of formulating and implementing development policies, programs, and projects.

The complexity of development issues and challenges at the local, national, and international levels demand a sophisticated understanding of a variety of tools and approaches. Confronting development challenges require a strong analytical capacity in framing public issues within the parameters of policy discourse, choice, and action.

Given the strong focus on the study of development theory, public policy, political economy, development administration, and policy research methods, graduates of the program are expected to find employment in government, business, academe, development agencies, and non-government organizations.

Objectives and Goals

The general objective of the MADEPOL program is to integrate the systematic training in the conceptual and methodological tools of public policy analysis with the lessons and insights gained in the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of development policies, programs, and projects.

In terms of the specific skills and competencies to be developed among the students, the program endeavors to accomplish the following goals: (1) to equip students with the conceptual skills in situating particular modes of development intervention within the framework of public policy discourse and action; (2) to provide students with the competency to see how development policies are generated as the end product of policy choice processes characterized by deliberation, contestation, and negotiation; and (3) to enhance the capacity of students to evaluate the gains and losses derived in the application of particular development initiatives.

The Curriculum

Course Requirements

The student has to complete a total of 36 units of courses consisting of 24 units of core courses, 6 units of elective courses, and 6 units of thesis writing. With the approval of the graduate program coordinator, electives may be taken in Political Science or other departments.

Students are eligible to take the written comprehensive examination after passing the required 24-unit core courses and 6-unit elective courses.

Thesis

The thesis requirement is divided into two phases: (1) thesis proposal, and (2) thesis writing. In the first phase, the student is required to prepare a research proposal which has to be approved by a panel of examiners. After hurdling the proposal stage, the student can proceed to write the thesis which is likewise formally presented in an oral defense.

Course Descriptions

Core Courses (24 units)

Development Theory (DVS530M) (3 units)

A survey of significant theoretical models and approaches which seek to explain the sources of the failure or success of various countries in achieving development.

Public Policy (DVS550M) (3 units)

A study concerned with how specific problems are recognized as public issues to be addressed in the policy arena with the participation of multiple stakeholders.

Development Administration (DVS531M) (3 units)

A n assessment of the administrative tools and policy strategies harnessed by public agencies in the programmatic pursuit of development goals.

Participation and Development (DVS532M) (3 units)

A study which focuses on the role of citizen participation and empowerment in making development work, as well as an inquiry into the problems and opportunities arising from the implementation of participatory approaches to development.

Political Economy (DVS752M) (3 units)

A study of how states, firms, markets, capital, and labor are linked together in collaborative and conflict processes governing the production and distribution of goods and services.

Sustainable Development (DVS533M) (3 units)

A n exploration into the possibilities and difficulties of reconciling economic growth objectives with the demands of environmental protection seen within the context of prevailing policy and institutional arrangements.

Policy Research Methods (DVS521M) (3 units)

A survey of the qualitative and quantitative approaches and methods employed in undertaking social science and policy research.

Special Topics in Philippine Development (DVS820M) (3 units)

A study of selected issues affecting Philippine development.

Length and Nature of the Program

The MADEPOL program caters to both full-time and part-time students. Full-time students would normally take six (6) trimesters to finish the program while part-time students would need nine (9) trimesters to satisfy all the degree requirements.