MSU - Iligan Institute of Technology
School of Interdisciplinary Studies

Sustainable Development Studies (SDS) at MSU-IIT began in April 2003 when DENR-MGB Region 10, led by Dir. Dario R. Miñoza, proposed a partnership with MSU-IIT to create a graduate curriculum addressing Mindanao's multi-faceted environmental challenges.

A workshop followed in May 2003, curriculum crafting in January 2004, and formal approval via BOR Resolution No. 07, S. 2004 in July 2004, with an MOA signed in March 2004 between DENR and MSU-IIT. The program launched in Summer 2004 off-campus at DENR-MGB 10 with 12 students, growing to 21 in the first semester and 32 in the second of SY 2004-2005, taught by faculty from MSU-IIT, DENR, DA, DTI, NEDA, and industries.

The Doctor in Sustainable Development gained approval through BOR Resolution No. 47, S. 2005, establishing multidisciplinary, ladderized programs focused on sustainable solutions, resource management, community development, and economic planning. Graduate Program Committees were formed in July 2004 (Coordinator: Dr. Ermelinda G. Tobias) and October 2006 (Coordinator: Dr. Ruben F. Amparado), with subsequent coordinators including Dr. Liwayway S. Viloria (2011-2017), Dr. Sulpecia L. Ponce (2017-2019), and Dr. Marilou S. Nanaman (2019-2021). Strategic reviews in 2005, 2008, and 2009 refined objectives, curricula, and plans for expansion, research, extension, and linkages.