The University has an Equivalency Program that allows professionals and government workers to earn degrees. The Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) is an educational assessment scheme that recognizes knowledge, skills, and prior learning acquired through non-formal and informal educational experiences.

Implemented pursuant to Executive Order No. 330, s. 1996, and adopted by the University through BOR Resolution No. 2866-A, s. 1999, ETEEAP is a comprehensive educational assessment program designed to recognize, accredit, and grant equivalencies for knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values gained through non-formal, informal, and work-based learning experiences.

Through competency-based evaluation anchored on established equivalency standards, qualified individuals may be awarded an academic degree following a thorough assessment process that may include written examinations, interviews, skills demonstrations, portfolio reviews, and other validated assessment methodologies administered by designated assessors or faculty experts. The program may be implemented through face-to-face, virtual, or blended learning modalities to ensure accessibility and flexibility.

MILESTONES

• 1996 – ETEEAP was implemented under Executive Order No. 330, recognizing non-formal, informal, and work-based learning.
• 1999 – USeP confirmed its participation through Board Resolutions No. 2866-A and 2866-B and received authorization to offer graduate programs in MBA, MPA, MAED, and MT.
• 2006 – The University launched the Accelerated Teacher Education Program (ATEP) under ETEEAP through the Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED).
• 2007 – Additional ETEEAP programs in forestry, engineering, public administration, education, and development communication were approved through Board Resolution No. 3786.
• 2009 – Authorization was granted to offer BEED, Bachelor of Technology, and BS Forestry under ETEEAP pursuant to CMO No. 08, s. 2009.
• 2016 – The University was authorized to offer Bachelor of Technical Education and Bachelor of Industrial Technology programs in various technology specializations.
• 2021 – ETEEAP expanded to include Bachelor of Computer Technology, Bachelor of Technical Teacher Education, Bachelor of Industrial Technology, and AB English.
• 2022 – Harmonization and contextualization of course syllabi and instructional materials were initiated, incorporating culture-sensitive and gender-responsive approaches.

ENROLLMENT

As of Academic Year 2024–2025, the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) has seven (7) active enrollees in the Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master in Industrial Technology (MIT), and Master of Business Administration (MBA). Learners are engaged in competency-based assessments, tutorials, skills demonstrations, thesis writing, and research completion.

Beginning Fiscal Year 2026, the program will no longer accept applications for graduate programs and will only admit undergraduate applicants in accordance with CHED Memorandum Order No. 11, s. 2025.

GRADUATES

Since its implementation, USeP’s ETEEAP has produced more than 35 graduates across various disciplines. The first graduate completed the program in 2007, and since then, the University has continuously recognized the prior learning and professional experiences of working professionals, government employees, and other qualified individuals.

Graduates have earned degrees in business administration, public administration, education, mechanical and industrial engineering, forestry, and technical education. The number of graduates has steadily increased over the years, with notable peaks in 2015 and 2021, demonstrating the program’s growing recognition and impact. Through ETEEAP, the University continues to promote lifelong learning, career advancement, and professional development by transforming professional experience into recognized academic credentials.

The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) emphasizes the need to develop an institutional policy on micro-credentials in alignment with national directives, such as CHED Memorandum Order No. 1, s. 2025, and the Philippine Qualifications Framework Act. These policies encourage more flexible, accessible, and industry-relevant learning pathways that support lifelong learning. As technology rapidly evolves, labor market needs shift, and post-pandemic realities continue to shape the education landscape, micro-credentials have emerged as practical, focused learning modules that help learners build specific, in-demand skills. International studies also recognize the value of these credentials in improving employability and addressing skills gaps through competency-based and real-world assessments.

Guided by CHED and TESDA policies and global research, USeP views micro-credentialing as a key part of its ongoing academic innovation efforts. This approach aims to provide timely, stackable, and inclusive learning opportunities for students, working professionals, and members of marginalized communities. By moving in this direction, the University reaffirms its commitment to delivering transformative, high-quality, and equitable education that aligns with national goals and international standards, ensuring that its learners remain prepared for the demands of a rapidly changing world.

The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP)’s transition toward becoming an Open University underscores the importance of establishing policies for Open Learning and Distance Education (OL/DE). This initiative aims to extend learning opportunities beyond campus boundaries by providing greater access to higher education and advanced academic programs for interested learners. It also supports the University’s strategic goals of internationalizing its academic programs and services while fostering a modern, technology-enabled learning environment. Through this initiative, USeP seeks to expand student enrollment and improve access to quality education for vulnerable and underserved sectors of society.

The Graduate School of Education, the Graduate School of Business, and the Graduate School of Computing are committed to offering selected graduate programs through the Open Learning and Distance Education (OL/DE) modality. During the 204th Board of Regents Meeting (First Quarter FY 2025 Meeting), and pursuant to BOR Resolution No. 47, s. 2025, the USeP Board of Regents approved the offering of four graduate programs with Certificates of Program Compliance (COPC) under the OL/DE modality: the Doctor of Information Technology (DIT), Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education (MAECE), Master of Information Technology (MIT), and Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS).