Development Studies Program
The Development Studies Program is an interdisciplinary department in the School of Social Sciences of the Ateneo de Manila University. Its faculty are highly reputable and award-winning leaders in research and practice in different areas of development work including public health, governance, microfinance, corporate social responsibility, creating shared value, and disaster and risk reduction. The department has produced graduates who are now leaders in the development sector (which includes government, non-profit organizations, corporate foundations, multilateral organizations, the legal profession, and research agencies). These graduates have also pursued advanced degrees in the best universities around the world.
The Development Studies Program has an active collaboration with development organizations. It is the home department of the Universities and Councils Network on Innovation for Inclusive Development in Southeast Asia (UNIID-SEA). UNIID-SEA runs consultancies, training, and programs in the area of inclusive development around the region. DS is also the academic partner of Social Enterprise Development Partnerships, Inc (SEDPI). SEDPI is the country's foremost development organization working with communities to build their capacity in the areas of microfinance, social entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. In terms of research, DS is also actively involved in different studies around the country. The faculty are recipients of prestigious research grants from the Asian Development Bank, the European Union (Horizon 2020), the Australian National University, Toyota Foundation, Sydney Southeast Asia Centre, the Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Interior and Local Government.
DS is known for its cutting-edge bachelor's degree. The Bachelor of Arts degree, major in Development Studies draws on the disciplinal strengths of economics, political science, sociology, and management to tackle the 'world's wicked problems'. Its students are exposed to development perspectives, trained in conducting research, and mentored in planning, implementing, and evaluating interventions.
Our Vision: Development professionals who effectively contribute to the continuing effort to improve Philippine society.
Our Mission: Provide an interdisciplinary program of studies for undergraduate students that is ever responsive to the changing human resource requirements of Philippine development.