Silliman University
Philippines • Founded 1901
Overview
Established in 1901, the Silliman University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Dumaguete City (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Central Visayas.
Officially recognized by the Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines, Silliman University (SU) is a medium-sized coeducational Philippine higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Protestant religion. Silliman University (SU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 122-year-old Philippine higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this Philippine higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
SU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Geographic and contact information for Silliman University — useful before scheduling visits or sending enquiries. Each channel below routes to a different team, so pick the one matching your question.
Academic Details
Scale, staffing, and recognition figures for Silliman University are summarised below. These numbers help you size the institution against your shortlist and weigh academic depth alongside programme fit.
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines.
Law and Development (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Development Studies
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Research and Environmental Management (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Agriculture (College) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Business
- Agriculture
- Agronomy
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Agricultural Scientist
- Agronomist
- Farm Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arts and Sciences (College) 34 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- American Studies
- Anthropology
- Arts and Humanities
- Asian Studies
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Coastal Studies
- English
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- Filipino
- History
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Literature
- Marine Biology
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Modern Languages
- Natural Resources
- Natural Sciences
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Religion
- Science Education
- Social Psychology
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Southeast Asian Studies
- Speech Studies
- Theatre
- Writing
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business Administration (College) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Business Computing
- Economics
- Management
- Management Systems
- Public Administration
- Secretarial Studies
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Computer Studies (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
Common Career Paths
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Systems Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (College) 25 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art Criticism
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Chemistry
- Curriculum
- Dietetics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational and Student Counselling
- English
- Filipino
- Foreign Languages Education
- Health Education
- Home Economics Education
- Library Science
- Music Education
- Native Language Education
- Nutrition
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Secondary Education
- Social Studies
- Special Education
- Technology Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering and Design (College) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Mass Communication (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mass Communication
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Nursing (College) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medical Technology
- Physical Therapy
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Public Health
Common Career Paths
- Registered Nurse
- Clinical Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Performing Arts (College) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Acting
- Conducting
- Fine Arts
- Music
- Music Education
- Music Theory and Composition
- Musical Instruments
- Musicology
- Singing
- Speech Studies
- Theatre
Environmental and Marine Sciences (Institute) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Coastal Studies
- Environmental Management
- Natural Resources
Common Career Paths
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Officer
- Climate Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Find a programme at Silliman University by filter, or browse by degree level. Online and on-campus delivery modes differ in tuition, time commitment, and credential recognition — confirm which mode each programme runs in.
Bachelor's Degree
50 programmes
Silliman University's 50 programmes at this tier lead to a bachelor's qualification, the first full degree most students pursue and the usual prerequisite for master's-level entry.
Bachelor of Secondary Education Education & Teaching
AB in Filipino
BS in Medical Technology
BS in Nursing Nursing
BS in Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition & Dietetics
BS in Physical Therapy Health Sciences
Bachelor of Music Music
Bachelor of Music major in Music Education Music
Bachelor of Liturgy and Church Music Music
Bachelor of Theology Islamic & Quranic Studies
BS in Biology Biological Sciences
BS in Mathematics Mathematics
BS in Physics Physics & Astronomy
AB in Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
AB in Political Science Politics & International Relations
AB in Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
BS in Psychology Psychology
BS in Social Work Social Work
Bachelor of Elementary Education Education & Teaching
BS in Chemistry Chemistry
Bachelor of Business Administration major in Management Business Administration
Bachelor of Business Administration major in Entrepreneurship Business Administration
Bachelor of Business Administration major in Economics Economics
BS in Entrepreneurship Business Administration
BS in Accountancy Accounting
Bachelor of Business in Computer Applications Business & Management
Bachelor of Business Administration Business Administration
Bachelor Of Fine Arts Visual Arts
AB in Speech and Theater
BS in Architecture Architecture
BS in Agriculture Agriculture
BS in Agricultural Business Agriculture
BS in Public Administration Public Administration
Bachelor of Business in Office Management Business & Management
BS in Office Management Business & Management
Bachelor of Library Information Science Program Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Mass Communication Communication Studies
BS in Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
BS in Computer Engineering Computer Sciences
BS in Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering
BS in Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
AB in Creative Writing Liberal Arts
AB in History History
AB in Literature Literature
AB in Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
BS in Business Computer Applications Business & Management
BS in Computer Science Computer Sciences
BS in Information Systems Information Systems & Technology
BS in Information Technology Information Systems & Technology
AB in English Language English Language Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
36 programmes
These 36 programmes form Silliman University's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.
Juris Doctor
Master of Public Health Public Health
Master in Nursing Nursing
MA in Filipino
MA in English English Language Studies
Master in Information Systems Information Systems & Technology
MA in Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
MA in History History
MA in Extension Administration Religious Studies
Master of Applied Science in Agricultural Systems Agriculture
Master in Public Administration Public Administration
Master in Environmental Governance Environmental Sciences
MS in Nursing Nursing
MS in Environmental Policy Environmental Sciences
MA in Science Teaching Physics Physics & Astronomy
MA in Education Education & Teaching
MS in Social Work Social Work
Master in Peace Studies Peace and Development Studies
MA in Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
MA in Psychology Psychology
MA in Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
MS in Physics Physics & Astronomy
MS in Mathematics Mathematics
MS in Marine Biology Biological Sciences
MS in Environmental Science Environmental Sciences
MS in Coastal Resource Management Business & Management
MS in Biology Biological Sciences
Master of Public Health major in Environmental Health Public Health
Master in Biology Biological Sciences
Master in Physics Physics & Astronomy
Master of Theology Islamic & Quranic Studies
Master of Divinity Religious Studies
Master of Theology major in Mission Studies Islamic & Quranic Studies
Master of Music major in Music Education Music
Master of Music Music
Master of Public Health Concentration in Epidemiology Epidemiology
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master of Business Administration
1 programme
These 1 programme form Silliman University's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.
Master in Business Administration Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
11 programmes
Silliman University lists 11 programmes awarding a doctorate — the apex qualification for those pursuing research leadership or an academic career.
Doctor of Public Administration Public Administration
PhD in English and Literature English Language Studies
PhD in Social Science Social Sciences & Education
PhD in Psychology Psychology
Doctor of Theology major in Systematic Theology Islamic & Quranic Studies
Doctor of Theology major in Christian Ethics Islamic & Quranic Studies
Doctor of Theology major in Biblical Studies Islamic & Quranic Studies
Doctor of Theology Islamic & Quranic Studies
PhD in Nursing Nursing
PhD in Education Education & Teaching
Doctor of Education Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
1 programme
Beyond the main degree tiers, Silliman University runs 1 programme as certificates, diplomas, and associate or foundation programmes — useful for upskilling or as a pathway to bachelor's entry.
Doctor of Medicine Medicine
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Silliman University
Application guidance for Silliman University, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.
- 1 Research programmes at Silliman University
Silliman University's catalogue includes 99 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Silliman University's admissions process.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
- 4 Lodge your application
Submit your completed application through Silliman University's official website at su.edu.ph. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +63 (35) 422 6002. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Silliman University
Frequently asked questions about Silliman University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
How old is Silliman University?
The institution opened in 1901 (approximately 125 years ago).
What city is Silliman University in?
Silliman University operates from Dumaguete City, Philippines.
Is Silliman University public or private?
It is a private higher-education institution.
How big is Silliman University's student body?
Silliman University serves approximately 7,000-7,999 students.
What degrees does Silliman University offer?
Programmes at Silliman University cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
Does Silliman University have a religious affiliation?
Yes, Silliman University is affiliated with Christian-Protestant.
Is Silliman University accredited?
Yes, Silliman University is recognised by Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines.
Where can I learn more about Silliman University?
Silliman University's official website is su.edu.ph.
Top-Ranked Universities in the Philippines
Top universities in the Philippines differ from flagship status: top is rankings-defined; flagship is often historically defined. The lists may overlap but are not identical.
Members of Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia (ACUCA)
Member institutions of Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia (ACUCA) often have reciprocity arrangements on accreditation — degrees from one member institution typically face fewer credential-recognition issues at others.
Other Philippine, Filipino Universities Affiliated with Christian-Protestant
Christian-Protestant-aligned universities like Silliman University are gathered below for cross-reference. Cross-referencing helps when you have a clear preference for the tradition but want to compare academic options within it.
Where Else to Study Islamic & Quranic Studies
Cohort diversity (gender, nationality, prior experience) shapes the Islamic & Quranic Studies classroom experience. Some the Philippines programmes publish demographic data; others do not, but the question is worth asking.
Universities Often Compared with Silliman University
Students applying to Silliman University often shortlist similar institutions of comparable scale, prestige, and academic depth. These universities frequently appear alongside Silliman University on application lists, useful for hedging or for direct head-to-head comparison.
