The journey commenced when the Western Philippine Colleges, now the University of Batangas, introduced Graduate Education during the school year 1968-1969. It began with a handful of enrollees, primarily composed of faculty members from the high school department and a few public school teachers. The initial program offerings included majors such as Educational Administration, English, Filipino, and Social Studies within the Master of Arts in Education. Dr. Lydia Profeta led the school, and notable faculty members included Mrs. Marcela M. Jamet, Mrs. Maria Lourdes Macatangay, Dr. F. Gorospe, Dr. Consuelo Sevilla, Dr. Antonio Javier, Dr. Juana Faller, Se. Crispulo Ochoa, and Dr. Rolando Tabios.
In 1970, the Graduate School celebrated its first two graduates, Ana B. Cads, the then school librarian, and Mercedes A. Macarandang, a high school teacher. Since then, the school has consistently produced graduates, with countless private and public school teachers earning their Master’s degrees.The year 1996-1997 marked the introduction of two additional programs: Master of Arts in Business Management, with Jesus P. Briones as the first graduate, and Master of Science in Mathematics, with Henry I. Cabatay and Lailanie I. Luna as the pioneering graduates. Subsequently, in 2002-2003, the school introduced three doctorate degree programs: Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration, English, Filipino, Business Management, and Public Administration, with the first set of four graduates in 2004.
To provide quality graduate education on a broader scale, the school forged partnerships with higher educational institutions outside Batangas, such as Luna Goco College in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, and Calayan Educational Foundation College in Lucena City, starting from 2010-2011. Faculty members from the main campus regularly visited these schools to conduct classes. The University of Batangas Lipa Campus, established in 2011, expanded the range of graduate programs offered.
Addressing the burgeoning demands across disciplines, the Graduate School introduced diverse programs, including Master of Arts in Psychology (2016-2017), Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling (AY 2016-2017), Master in Early Childhood Education (2015-2016), Master in Physical Education and Sports Science (2015-2016), Master in Information System, Master in Public Safety and Law Enforcement Leadership (2012-2013), and Master of Engineering Management with specialization in Construction and Project Management (2017-2018). The latest addition is the Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (2020-2021).
The remarkable growth and success of UB’s Graduate School can be attributed to adept management and supervision by its deans and staff. Dr. Lydia Profeta was succeeded by Dr. Corazon Cabrera, who had the able support of Mrs. Mercedes Papasin. Later, Dr. Editha Mission took over until her retirement. Presently, the leadership is in the capable hands of Dr. Aurora P. Tolentino, with Mrs. Adelaida Viduya serving as the secretary.
In pursuit of maintaining quality, the Graduate School underwent rigorous external evaluation and accreditation by PACUCOA (Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation). The accreditation level status for various programs stands as follows: Master of Arts in Education – Level IV, Master in Business Management – Level IV, Master in Public Administration – Level IV, Master of Science in Mathematics – Level III, Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management – Level III, Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management – Level III, and Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration – Level III.
Indeed, the Graduate School of the University of Batangas has embarked on a journey spanning more than half a century, poised to continue its service to clients while staying true to its mission of instilling core values such as Faith in God, Love of Wisdom, and Service to Fellowmen.