By Karren Jay G. Asgar and Mikee N. Norico
Join the Mighty Panthers! Freshmen at the College of Arts and Sciences are gearing up for an exciting academic journey, where you’ll grow, learn, and thrive in a supportive and dynamic environment.
If you are passionate about exploring the wonders of the natural world, understanding human behavior, studying the complexities of chemistry, or contributing to the well-being of your community, the College of Arts and Sciences at Central Philippine University offers an exciting academic home for you.
The CPU-College of Arts and Sciences offers a range of programs in fields like Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies, Bachelor of Science in Biology with Specialization in Medical Biology, Bachelor of Science in Biology with specialization in Microbiology, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Social Work, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (currently on hold), and Bachelor of Arts in Communication (currently on hold).
“Our goal at CAS is to produce excellent students and leaders who excel academically in community service, leadership, and spiritual life. We want our students to embody holistic development,” said Dr. Stella Guartero-Fernandez, Dean of the CPU-College of Arts and Sciences in an interview.
Faith in focus: Students and faculty unite during the 2024 CAS Semestral Devotional, emphasizing spiritual growth alongside academic achievement.
Although currently placed on hold due to a lack of qualified faculty, the AB Political Science and AB Communication programs have a strong legacy, with graduates excelling in their respective fields. The College expects to welcome future students in these programs when they will be reinstated.
“These programs are not being phased out permanently. Faculty members are being sent for further studies to meet the qualifications needed, ensuring that we maintain the high standards these programs are known for,” Dr. Fernandez emphasizes.
It is also important to mention that the CPU-CAS has set limited enrollees for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology and the Bachelor of Science in Social Work programs. For the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program, the College will not be accepting transfer students for the incoming second semester of SY 2024-2025.
“We have limited first year enrollees to ensure we can maintain quality education with our current faculty. As for transferees and shiftees, we’re imposing stricter caps to provide the best learning experience,” Dr. Fernandez explains.
Beyond academics, the College of Arts and Sciences is deeply invested in community engagement, research, and outreach initiatives. Prof. Kerwin G. Luntao spearheads the Outreach Committee.
“We’re planning to open Ecology Biology… This program is highly in demand across industries and agencies, and I believe it will provide our students with significant career opportunities,” Dr. Fernandez said.
Known as the home of the Mighty Panthers, the CPU College of Arts and Sciences has consistently maintained a strong track record of success in board examinations, particularly in the Bachelor of Science in Social Work program.
“In the last graduation ceremony, there was only one Summa Cum Laude awardee for the entire university—Riley A. Beup, a BS Biology (Pre-Med) student from the College of Arts and Sciences. Additionally, the CPU representatives for the Top Outstanding Students in the Iloilo Association (TOSIA) 2024 in the college category were also from the CPU College of Arts and Sciences: Anthony B. Lorca, Jennifer Erika P. Angeles, and Gazelle Faith G. Boko,” Dean Fernandez emphasized.
During the interview, Dean Fernandez shared that she encourages qualified teachers in programs such as Mass Communication and Political Science to consider applying at CPU.
“My encouragement is really for the students to venture, especially in the sciences… I know these programs we offer in CPU-CAS are very in demand in the different industries and agencies. Be a part of the Centralian community,” she added.
In addition to its academic achievements, CPU-CAS places a strong emphasis on faith, setting it apart from other institutions. This emphasis on faith not only enriches the educational experience but also aims to cultivate Centralians who are not only academically competent but also spiritually grounded and committed to making a positive impact in the world.
For students who wish to enroll in the above-mentioned programs under the CPU-College of Arts and Sciences, the CPU College Aptitude Test (CPUCAT) is now open for admissions. For more information, kindly access this link: https://cpu.edu.ph/cpu-college-aptitude-test-cpucat/