MASTERS IN QUANTITATIVE METHODS AND MODELLING

The proposed Master of Science degree program is an at least 31-unit graduate degree program, which can be completed by full-time regular students in at most two (2) years or four (4) regular semesters. The proposed degree program envisions to produce graduates who are proficient problem-solvers, highly analytical modelers, and competent computer programmers with an eye for innovation and technopreneurship.

The program has two options:

1. non-thesis option [at least 34 credit units with a capstone project leaning towards professional development]; and

2. thesis option [at least 31 credit units with a research thesis requirement].

The master’s degree program aims to produce graduates who shall:

1. be competent in applying modeling techniques and quantitative methods to problems arising in natural and social sciences;

2. possess technopreneurial mindset who contributes to the economic growth of Mindanao and the country;

3. become key problem solvers or team players in a decision-making body or policy makers as they pursue careers in academe, research, industry, and/or public service;

4. be competent to pursue advanced-level graduate studies in quantitative interdisciplinary fields at par with international standards;

5. be capable of conducting independent as well as collaborative quantitative research in interdisciplinary fields especially relevant to the Mindanao context; and

6. be upholding the University's values of honor and excellence.

Aside from the general requirements for admission set forth by the College of Science and Mathematics, any bachelor’s degree holder from a recognized institution of higher learning and who has completed the following courses: calculus, elementary statistics, and basic programming with UP Grade equivalent General Weighted Average of at least 2.50, shall be admitted. Further, a statement of purpose must be submitted signifying the applicant’s intent as well as the specific research area or problem sought.

If one of the aforementioned subjects are not met, a student may be admitted under probationary status. The concerned students will have to take the necessary undergraduate courses for bridging during their first semester. The department graduate committee will evaluate the academic status of the student at the end of the semester. Only upon a positive recommendation of the committee shall the student be granted regular status.

In particular, the department graduate committee shall have the following responsibilities: assess the probationary student’s academic performance and progress at the end of the semester based on their grades from the first semester, statement of purpose, and pledge; and recommend such student’s continuation in the second semester, or disqualification from the program based on the evaluation. Moreover, the students should state through their application letter what option they will take, whether for thesis or non-thesis option of the program. In the event of switching to another option, the student should file the intent with justification to his/her registration adviser for evaluation.

A student may opt to take the thesis option or the non-thesis option. The maximum residence of any student under the MSQMM program is five (5) years.

The thesis option is geared towards those students whose primary purpose is to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in quantitative methods and modeling rather than specific applications to professional practice. This option requires students to pass a comprehensive exam, a thesis presented in a research colloquium (e.g. conference), and at least one submitted paper in a refereed journal.

On the other hand, the non-thesis option is aimed at students who focus on specific applications to professional practice. This option requires students to pass a comprehensive exam and a special project (similar to a capstone project) written in an article format presented in a research colloquium (e.g. conference).

A student is disqualified from the program if either

1. the student did not pass any of the courses in a particular semester;

2. the student did not achieve a GWA of at least 2.0 during the academic year;

3. the student failed the thesis defense twice;

4. non-compliance with the Maximum Residence Rule; or

5. absence without official leave (AWOL).

First Year

Second Year

First Year

Second Year