Quirino State University (QSU) is a distinguished educational institution located in the province of Quirino, Cagayan Valley. QSU is committed to striving for excellence in education, research, and community service. Over the years, QSU has consistently provided quality and relevant education to its students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their chosen fields and to contribute meaningfully to society.

The establishment of the QSU Graduate School in 1989 was a response to the growing demand for advanced studies within the Quirinian community. It was a strategic move to meet the educational needs of professionals and aspiring scholars, aiming to equip them with specialized knowledge and skills essential for their respective fields. The inception of the Graduate School marked a significant milestone of the then Quirino State College’s pursuit to academic advancement and lifelong learning.

The first program offered by the Graduate School was the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), with specializations in Mathematics, Filipino, English, Biology, and Social Science. This initiative, launched with Board Resolution No. 102, series of 1989 addressed the need for qualified educators with advanced training and expertise in diverse subject areas.

Building on the success of the MAT program, the Graduate School expanded its offerings to include the Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) with a specialization in Administration and Supervision. This program, introduced through Board Resolution No. 139, series of 1990, responded to the demand for educational leaders capable of managing and enhancing educational institutions effectively.

In 2001, the Graduate School further diversified its programs by introducing the Master of Science in Agriculture, focusing on Crop Science. This program, authorized by Board Resolution No. 98-21, series of 2001, aimed to meet the evolving needs of the agricultural sector by equipping professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in crop management, agricultural technology, and sustainability practices.

Recognizing the importance of managerial expertise in public service, the Graduate School launched the Master of Management program with a specialization in Public Management (Non-Thesis) in 2003. This program, approved through Board Resolution No. MMPM- Res No. 105-11, series of 2003, catered specifically to government employees, offering a comprehensive curriculum that blended theoretical insights with practical skills relevant to public sector management.

The strategic expansion of the Graduate School programs reflects its dedication to meeting the diverse educational needs of students and professionals, fostering academic excellence, and contributing to the socioeconomic development of the region. These programs are designed to empower individuals with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to thrive in their careers and make meaningful contributions to society.

Over the years, the Graduate School has endeavored to keep abreast with the standards for graduate programs set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), following the guidelines set forth in Republic Act (RA) No. 7722, also known as the “Higher Education Act of 1994.” Recently, the CHED took a step forward to align its outcomes-based quality assurance system with the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF). To this end, it officially adopted and issued the general Policies, Standards, and Guidelines (PSGs) for graduate programs, as per Referendum No. R070-2019, dated December 19, 2019.

The CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) 15, series of 2019, promulgates the following for all graduate school programs:

1. 1. Achieve a clear progression beyond basic education and baccalaureate/undergraduate education by stressing:
      1. Cutting-edge, integrative and interrogative teaching and learning contents and methods; and
      2. Higher competencies in knowledge production (research), knowledge sharing and exchange (teaching), and knowledge application and utilization.
   2. Produce advanced competencies that can spur and sustain
      1. Leadership and innovation;
      2. Scientific and technological growth;
      3. Creative and effective learning and teaching;
      4. Agro-industrial productivity;
      5. Entrepreneurship;
      6. Good governance;
      7. Inclusive economic development and environmental security;
      8. National sovereignty and independent international relations;
      9. Articulation of Filipino culture and arts;
      10. Cultural and religious diversity; and
      11. Nationalism.

The emphasis across all orientations and levels of graduate work, the ultimate goal is to contribute to the process of knowledge acquisition, generation, sharing, and exchange that is distinct from the baccalaureate level.

The general outcomes of graduate programs are the mastery of the specialized field of study, the development of original and critical thinking, and the demonstration of problem-solving skills that prepare the degree holder for advanced instruction and leadership positions in the areas of research, creative work, as well as the practice of his or her profession.

Spurred by this new PSG from CHED, the Graduate School initiated the re-alignment and enhancement of its curricula because of the following reasons:

1. 1. The Graduate School has been offering graduate programs in the past decades and has met the minimum requirement in offering graduate programs as stipulated by the Commission on Higher Education.
   2. The Philippine Education System has undergone various reforms, including the implementation of the K to 12 Program in basic education, the adoption of a new general education curriculum, and the incorporation of outcomes-based education (OBE) as a teaching and learning framework in higher education.
   3. There is a need to anchor the graduate programs to the prescribed CHED PSGs for graduate programs as per Referendum No. R070-2019 dated December 19, 2019.
   4. The result of the recently concluded consultation with stakeholders ignited the Graduate School’s initiative to enhance its curriculum to be responsive to today’s advancements and developments in the various industries and specializations of its students.
   5. The Graduate School has a strong faculty profile with sufficient physical facilities and conducive classrooms.