The program is a multi- and trans-disciplinary program that studies specific geographical and cultural areas, in particular the Philippines and Asia, utilizing the different social science disciplines of history, politics, economics, geography, anthropology, and sociology. The program prepares the students for careers in teaching, research, policy studies, advocacy works, and employment in NGOs, government and private offices, and in the civil society sector.

It is also very good preparation for law school and graduate studies in any field of the social sciences. With its extensive social science preparation and basic knowledge of a non-English foreign language, the degree also serves as excellent preparation for a career in the diplomatic service or in a multi-cultural work environment.

At the end of the program, students are envisioned to be able to:
1. Demonstrate proficiency in Filipino, Asian, and some Western history and heritage by conducting comparative studies
2. Apply multi-disciplinal and multi-cultural approaches in conducting research on social issues. (e.g. as researchers, as urban planners, as Asian specialists, as International Studies and Foreign Service experts, as academicians, as Juris Doctors, or as medical doctors, among others)
3. Utilize Social Science disciplines in the analysis of Philippine issues in an Asian and global context in the practice of their profession
4. Communicate effectively multi-disciplinal and analytical study outputs to relevant stakeholders especially to the non-academic audiences in ways that ensure real-world impact
5. Exhibit ethical and social sense of responsibility as Filipino citizens having a holistic and dynamic view as inculcated in the Area Studies approach
6. Attain Filipino national identity and civic consciousness, as Area Specialists, in relation to other nations through studies on various aspects of Asia