The School of Computer and Information Sciences (SCIS) is the academic department for computing, information technology, and library science at the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC), a private, non-sectarian university in Naga City, Philippines. Formerly known as the College of Computer Studies and later the College of Information Technology, the school provides industry-aligned education with the mission of transforming students into “productive, socially responsible, and globally competitive individuals.”
The SCIS is distinguished by its integration with the technology industry, supported by corporate governance under iPeople, Inc., a joint venture between Ayala Corporation and the Yuchengco Group of Companies. This model has led to flagship initiatives such as the Professional Employment Program (PEP) and a landmark partnership with Accenture to deliver a co-designed associate degree with a direct employment pathway.
History
The origins of SCIS trace back to the College of Arts and Sciences, which initially hosted UNC’s computer science majors. Due to rapid enrollment growth, a separate College of Computer Studies was established. The department later became known as the College of Information Technology before being rebranded as the School of Computer and Information Sciences, reflecting its expanded scope across computing, IT, and library science.
A pivotal development occurred in 2015, when AC Education (Ayala Corporation’s education arm) invested in UNC. This corporate infusion allowed the school to undertake technology-driven innovations designed to enhance program quality and employability outcomes. Since then, SCIS has adopted a proactive, industry-centric curriculum designed to serve as a direct talent pipeline for the technology sector.
Academic Programs
The SCIS offers programs at the associate, undergraduate, and graduate levels:
- Graduate
- Master in Library and Information Science – Advanced training in information resource management and preservation.
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) – Emphasizes algorithms, software engineering, and computing innovation.
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) – Trains IT specialists in systems administration, networking, cybersecurity, and database systems.
- Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) – Focuses on digital and print resource management, library operations, and cultural preservation.
- Associate
- Associate in Computer Technology (ACT) – A two-year ladderized program co-designed with Accenture. Graduates are fast-tracked into Accenture employment while earning credits toward completion of BSCS or BSIT.
Accreditation and Recognition
The University of Nueva Caceres is recognized as the institution with the highest number of accredited programs in Region V by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA).
- BS in Information Technology – PACUCOA Level II, First Re-Accredited
- BS in Computer Science – PACUCOA Level II, First Re-Accredited
UNC has also been recommended for ISO 21001:2018 certification, an international standard for educational organizations’ management systems.
Industry Collaboration and Special Programs
Professional Employment Program (PEP)
The PEP is a workplace-simulation program designed to address graduate unemployment and the job-skills mismatch. For one semester, students replace traditional classroom activities with industry-standard projects, professional attire, and office-based simulations. Outcomes include:
- Doubling of graduate employability within 90 days of graduation
- 45% increase in average starting salaries
- Development of critical soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and resilience
Partnership with Accenture
UNC is the pioneering institution in the Philippines to partner with Accenture for curriculum co-design. Key features include:
- Fastlane Recruitment: Direct hiring of ACT graduates into Accenture roles
- Ladderized curriculum: Two years of ACT count fully toward BSCS or BSIT
- Specialized training via the Accenture Technology Academy (ATA)
This partnership represents a vertically integrated talent pipeline, with Accenture describing UNC graduates as “full package hires.”
Other Industry Linkages
SCIS also maintains collaborations with:
- Eskwelabs – Data Analytics certification programs
- Oracle Academy
- AWS Academy
- Cisco Networking Academy
- LinkedIn Learning
- Google Workspace
- O’Reilly Media
Facilities
The school’s facilities include modern computer laboratories and access to the E-Library, housing 168 functional computer units, a Learning Commons, Audio-Visual Rooms, and campus-wide Wi-Fi. The BSIT and BSCS curricula explicitly integrate laboratory work and practicum training to ensure hands-on skill development.
Student Life
UNC promotes student organizations as a “second curriculum.” Participation is evaluated by the Career Services Office and integrated into professional development. Students in SCIS often join national-level groups such as the Junior Philippine Computer Society (JPCS), as well as university-wide organizations like the Supreme Student Government (SSG) and the student publication The Democrat, which holds UNESCO accreditation.
Leadership
As of 2022, Agnes T. Reyes served as Dean of the College of Computer Studies (now SCIS), spearheading the partnership with Accenture. UNC as a whole is led by its fourth president, Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, who assumed office on July 30, 2018, and has emphasized the transformation of UNC into a “University of the Future.”
See Also
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (UNC)
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (UNC)
Higher education in the Philippines
References
- University of Nueva Caceres – Accenture Partnership Announcement
https://unc.edu.ph/news/247713/maybukas-sa-unc-civil-engineering-benjamin-abdul/ - UNC Academics – School of Computer and Information Sciences overview
https://unc.edu.ph/academics/computer-studies/ - University of Nueva Caceres – Institutional profile
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Nueva_Caceres - UNC Marketing Master – Academic program listings
https://unc.marketingmaster.io/academics/school-of-computer-and-information-sciences/ - UNC Research and Accreditation Announcements
https://unc.edu.ph/research-center/
Leave a Reply