Development Studies is a multi-disciplinary field of study that includes an understanding of the economic, political, social, technological and cultural aspects of social change especially in underdeveloped and developing countries. It contributes to policy-making by seeking solutions and strategies to address problems and obstacles to genuine human development. These issues are examined within a historical, comparative and international perspective, taking into accounts the country's specific circumstances, history and culture.

The graduates of Development Studies easily find careers in the undertaking and supervision of socio-economic projects both in the local and international scenes, in government institutions, Foreign Service, non-government organizations and in the academe.

The program also offers opportunities in business, particularly in the fields of economic and financial analysis and managerial work. It could also serve as a preparatory course for taking up law studies and community medicine. Cognizant of the global and local patterns of change and continuity in the realms of economics, politics and culture, the Development Studies Program considers it as an imperative to adapt to this prevailing condition in order to remain relevant and engaged in its pedagogy, research and public service. These emerging conditions necessitate the retention of original subjects as well as the inclusion of new ones which are both critical in producing development scholars and workers who are holistic, critical, creative, community-oriented, nationalist, and internationalist.

At the end of the program, graduates are envisioned to be able to:
1. Apply theoretical foundations in analyzing Philippines and Third World realities.
2. Demonstrate research and communication skills for development work with the aid of appropriate information and communication technologies.
3. Advocate nationalist and community-based development in scholarship and practice.
4. Employ learnings from the development experience of other countries for community and policy development in the Philippines.
5. Contribute to the improvement of marginalized communities through advocating participatory development