A Feasibility Study on Doctor of Philosophy Majors in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in a State College in Bicol

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the feasibility of offering Doctor of Philosophy major in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in a state college in Bicol region.  It utilised the descriptive research design which involved 103 respondents broken as follows: 45 employees of the College, 26 Master of Arts in Teaching, and 32 graduate-employees from other institutions. A focus group discussion was also employed in the validation and additional insights on the data generated.  The data were generated out of a survey questionnaire which was crafted by the researchers which was also subjected for validation.  The survey questionnaire employed a 4-point Likert scale with corresponding descriptive ratings of very low to very high.  The study showed that offering of the program is feasible based on the 4 parameters/indicators such as, market demand, financial viability, management viability, and operational capability. All of these indicators were found to be the strength of the College, thus, the feasibility of offering the program.  Offering of the proposed program greatly supports the institutional mandate of “primarily providing advanced education, higher technological, professional and vocational instruction and training in the sciences, arts, education, entrepreneurship, engineering and other related courses”. Out of the results, it was recommended also to continue the enhancement of its faculty, facilities, and a regular conduct of tracer studies.