Preparedness of Quezon City University Engineering Graduates for Graduate Studies: Implications for Program Planning

Abstract

This descriptive study examined the self-reported preparedness of 200 Quezon City University engineering graduates for graduate studies. The purposive sample comprised 130 industrial engineering graduates and 70 electronics engineering graduates from the 2018-2024 cohorts. A structured questionnaire covered academic preparation, research skills, financial preparedness, motivation and personal readiness, and institutional and environmental support. Frequencies, percentages, and item and domain means were used to summarize the responses. Motivation and personal readiness received the highest domain means in both programs (4.84 and 4.83, respectively). Research skills (3.14 and 3.37) and financial preparedness (3.18 and 3.20) received lower ratings. Graduates expressed greater confidence in applying engineering mathematics than in their overall subject knowledge for advanced study. Most respondents worked in the private sector (85%), making work schedules and access to financial assistance relevant to program planning. The findings identify support needs among the surveyed graduates, particularly research-methods instruction, writing support, mentoring, and clear information about tuition and funding. Self-reported preparedness provides one input to program planning; enrollment demand, staffing, costs, and delivery arrangements require separate assessment.