Teaching undergraduate psychology in the Philippines: A summary of current programs, policies, and instruction

Abstract

Undergraduate psychology programs in the Philippines have grown from 44 institutions 20 years ago to 170 colleges and universities at present. It is not clear when psychology was first taught in the Philippines, however in 1926 psychology was offered as a course separate from philosophy. Then the department of psychology was established at the University of the Philippines, attached to the school of education. Other psychology departments were created during the early 1930s. The BS degree in Psychology was first offered in 1948 at the University of Santo Tomas. This university also offered the first Master's and Doctoral degrees in the discipline. After its separation from philosophy, psychology was closely identified with education until the 1960s. The teaching of the discipline emphasized education courses, specifically on guidance and counselling, which served as supporting courses in the psychology curriculum. Now, students are required to have a minimum of 63 units in general education, 45 units in major courses and 18 units in other courses to be determined by the institution, for a total of 126 units. These required courses are similar to many undergraduate psychology program courses in the USA. Philippine undergraduate psychology programs are of two general types, the AB and BS degrees. Both are 4‐year single major degree programs. Areas of emphasis commonly offered in AB or BS psychology in addition to general and educational emphasis include industrial psychology, clinical psychology, guidance and counselling, special education, and child development. Psychology programs anchor on the mission statement of the Psychological Association of the Philippines, “to be a world‐class community of psychologists committed to personal and professional growth, human service and social transformation.” Faculty members use a variety of modern teaching methods, including experiential learning, fieldwork, discussion, peer tutoring, and cooperative group work as well as lectures and reading material to help students reach this goal.