Quality Assurance and Institutional Development in Agricultural Graduate Programs: A Case Study of Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Philippines

Abstract

Using a thorough mixed-methods research technique, this study looks at the state and evolution of agricultural graduate programs at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) between 2017 and 2023. The study offers a comprehensive picture of graduate agriculture education at a regional Philippine university by integrating an investigation of enrollment trends, faculty composition, accreditation status, and institutional issues. This study evaluated the graduate programs at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) through a mixed-methods research design that combined quantitative and qualitative methods. The Master of Science in Agricultural Education program has steady enrollment, a 4.2% yearly growth rate, and an 89.4% student retention rate, according to key results. Faculty composition shows a strong female representation (57-89%) and high proportion of doctorate holders, particularly in the PhD Plant Science program. The university maintained 94.8% of its normal student population during the COVID-19 epidemic, demonstrating its resilience, according to the research. Accreditation achievements include Level IV certification for the Agricultural Education and Agricultural Extension program in 2021. By illustrating the interaction between institutional resources, academic quality, and community engagement, the research offers important new insights into the complicated field of agricultural graduate education.