ABSTRACT
This study investigated the effectiveness of the Course Enhancement Program in Preparation for the Criminologists’ Licensure Examination in the Province of Sorsogon, Philippines. The study utilized a descriptive mixed-methods research design to assess the program's status concerning institutional policy, instruction delivery, scheduling, resources, and program activities, as well as the challenges encountered and their overall impact on criminology students' readiness for the CLE board examination. The analyzed data revealed that the program was effective in achieving its main objectives. Nevertheless, challenges still hinder the program's overall effectiveness. The study, therefore, recommends strengthened institutional policies and programs, improvement of facilities and support, engagement strategies, continuous professional development, strengthening program coordination, continuous monitoring, and evaluation of the program.
Keywords: Course Enhancement Program, learning outcomes, criminology education, licensure examination, mixed-method research, higher education
INTRODUCTION
An effective Course Enhancement Program (CEP) plays a crucial role in preparing students for licensure examinations by aligning review content with the Table of Specifications, strengthening competencies, and reducing learning gaps. It provides structured learning activities that enhance mastery, minimize exam anxiety, and improve motivation through guided instruction from qualified lecturers. As a result, students develop deeper conceptual understanding, increased confidence, and greater accountability, leading to improved institutional performance and the production of competent, exam-ready graduates. This aligns with the broader mandate of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to deliver quality education under SDG 4, which emphasizes inclusive and relevant learning opportunities (Saini, M. et al., 2023). Globally, criminology education continues to expand, integrating practical training and experiential learning to develop employable skills and social responsibility among graduates (Jiyoon Yoon, 2020; Gallardo-Vázquez, D. et al., 2025).
The growing demand for qualified criminologists, driven by increasing crime rates and evolving criminal methods, highlights the need for strong educational systems (Hinton & Cook, 2020). HEIs are therefore expected to align curricula with industry demands, enhance higher-level skills, and maintain global competitiveness (Jones, 2022). In the Philippines, policies such as Republic Act No. 11131 and CHED Memorandum Orders reinforce the need to produce competent and globally competitive graduates. However, licensure performance remains inconsistent, as reflected in the 60.50% passing rate in the February 2025 Criminologists Licensure Examination (Professional Regulation Commission, 2025). This indicates the need for improved instructional strategies, classroom management, and student support systems, which significantly influence academic success (Senden et al., 2021). Quality assurance mechanisms and institutional oversight further support program effectiveness, while financial challenges and the need for student support services continue to impact retention and performance (Johnson et al., 2022; Roberts, 2023).
Despite these efforts, enhancement program approaches vary widely across HEIs due to differences in resources, faculty expertise, and student demographics. Identifying effective strategies is essential to improving licensure outcomes and professional readiness. A comprehensive CEP should not only enhance instruction but also strengthen research, extension initiatives, and institutional development (Cruz et al., 2024). In Sorsogon, similar challenges persist, as evidenced by consistently low licensure passing rates, suggesting gaps in competency mastery, critical thinking, and practical application. These issues point to possible weaknesses in instructional delivery, review systems, and experiential learning opportunities. Addressing these gaps, the study focuses on examining the strategies used by HEIs in Sorsogon and evaluating their impact on student development and readiness for the licensure examination.
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