Employability and Career Pathways of Bachelor of Secondary Education Science Graduates from Central Philippines State University–Sipalay Campus: A Tracer Study

Abstract

Graduate tracer studies serve as important mechanisms for evaluating curriculum effectiveness and graduate employability in higher education. This study assessed the employability, career outcomes, work attitudes, quality of education, and skills and abilities development of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science graduates from Central Philippines State University–Sipalay Campus for Academic Years 2021–2023. A descriptive quantitative research design employing total enumeration was used to gather data from 63 graduates through a structured tracer questionnaire. Frequency counts, percentages, weighted means, and standard deviations were utilized to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the graduates were predominantly young, female, single, bachelor's degree holders, and Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers passers. More than half were employed, although most occupied contractual positions and jobs outside their field of specialization. The graduates demonstrated very high levels of work attitude, expressed strong satisfaction with the quality of education received, and reported very high levels of professional skills and abilities development, particularly in teamwork, instructional competence, professional ethics, and teaching methodologies. However, technical and entrepreneurial skills received comparatively lower evaluations, indicating opportunities for curriculum enhancement. The study concludes that the Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science program effectively prepares graduates with the competencies required for professional practice while highlighting the need to strengthen career placement initiatives, digital competencies, and entrepreneurial skills to improve employment stability and workforce alignment.