STUDENTS from the Faculty of Philosophy can now finish their licentiate and masteral degrees in Philosophy for only four years starting this school year.
However, Philosophy Dean Fr. John Funelas, O. P. said the curriculum changes will only be applicable to students taking up a civil degree in the faculty.
Currently, there are two degrees offered in the Faculty of Philosophy: the Ecclesiastical degree in Philosophy that is granted by Rome and recognized around the world; and the civil degree in Philosophy that is recognized only in the Philippines.
“The objective of these changes is to help seminarians finish their licentiate and master’s degree at the earliest possible time,” Funelas said.
Previously, a student must finish first his four-year licentiate degree before taking up a masteral degree in Philosophy.
Under the new curriculum, a student can now finish his licentiate degree for only three years and take up his masteral degree on his fourth year.
Funelas added that the new curriculum would be beneficial to those seminarians who plan to teach at their diocesan seminaries after graduation since they can finish the course earlier.
However, the dean said, the faculty will be strict in admitting students who wish to take up a masteral degree. The admission requirements will soon be devised by faculty officials.
Meanwhile, music and personality development are now graded subjects in the faculty’s curriculum.
“The formation in the seminary is not anymore separated from the academic training of our students,” the dean said. Girard R. Carbonell
