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Social Sciences Cluster

The Social Sciences Cluster cultivates a deep sense of social awareness and civic engagement, grounding students thoroughly in the realities of human society. The cluster forms analytically, critically, and ethically dynamic professionals equipped to respond to the evolving social, political, and historical terrains of Mindanao and the nation.

Blending rigorous scientific research with humanistic education, the cluster is committed to the holistic development of its students as human persons, guided by a deep sense of spirituality and an unwavering commitment to the common good, social justice, and ecological sustainability. Graduates emerge as culturally adaptive, gender-sensitive leaders prepared to empower marginalized sectors, cultivate peaceful communities, and build economically self-sustaining environments.

Explore the SS Programs

Anthropology Department

The Department of Anthropology serves as Mindanao’s hub for anthropological research and education, producing scholarship that enriches public understanding of the region’s diverse cultures and fosters comprehension of shared human experience. Established in 2011, the department offers both a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology (approved 2020), with different specializations, and a Master of Arts in Anthropology (launched 2012), and maintains active ties with the national Anthropological Association of the Philippines (UGAT).
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology (Academic Research Track)
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology (Community Development and Social Enterprise Track)
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology (IP Education Track)
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology (Pre-Law Track)
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology (Medical Anthropology Track)

Psychology Department

The Psychology Department aims to produce competent professionals for a career in the field of Psychology, specifically in the areas of research, psychological testing, counseling and community engagement. The department hones its students with evidence-based insights and skills that are gained through the application in field research and theories learned in the classroom.

It aims to provide guidance for students to develop their competencies for psychological investigation, with an emphasis on the scientific process of critical thinking, analyzing and interpreting individual and group behavior in various professional and academic settings. Competencies learned can be applied in the school setting for educational psychologists and future counselors; in the industrial setting for future human resources managers; and in the field of mental health for preparations required to become licensed psychologists.

The department offers two undergraduate programs: the BA in Psychology and the BS in Psychology. Both share the same core foundation in psychological theory and practice, but the BS Psychology track requires an additional natural science courses, giving students who choose this path a stronger grounding in the biological and physical sciences alongside their psychology training.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Political Science and History Department

The Political Science and History Department serves as a dynamic hub for civic education, historical inquiry, and critical academic discourse. It handles all core and professional courses for its degree program in AB Political Science, providing students with a robust framework for analyzing governance, political theory, international relations, and public policy.

By fostering critical thinking, the department equips learners with the analytical tools necessary to evaluate complex global and domestic political landscapes, preparing them for future paths in public service, law, and research. Ultimately, the department bridges heritage and modern governance to shape informed citizens and proactive leaders committed to community development.

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Political Science is all about the systematic study of power and how governance works. While it used to focus mostly on governments and official institutions, today the field is much broader, looking at how society, culture, and even psychology shape the political world around us. This modern approach is exactly what you will see in our current curriculum, where you will dive into exciting and diverse topics like political theory, law, international relations, comparative politics, gender studies, and public administration.

Faculty Members:

  • Ms. Leah C. Apsay
  • Ms. Tetchie D. Aquino
  • Atty. Romero T. Cabarde, Jr.
  • Ms. Lourdesita S. Chan, Ph.D.
  • Ms. Mary Donna Grace J. Cuenca
  • Atty. Ma. Janua P. Cunanan
  • Ms. Christine S. Diaz, Ph.D.
  • Ms. Rhodalie O. Emilio
  • Mr. Martin O. Escobido, Jr, Ph.D.
  • Mr. Reynan S. Lachica
  • Mr. Dustin Bryan T. Luis
  • Mr. Neil Ryan P. Pancho
  • Ms. Lakeisha Mae S. Ravelo
  • Mr. Roland Delos Santos
  • Mx. Regine Ebe Aguelo

 

Economics Department

The Economics Department aims to develop socially responsible economists with a firm grasp of policy formulation, community work, research and entrepreneurship. Career opportunities also include positions in government organizations and educational institutions.

Bachelor of Arts in Economics

Social Work Department

The Social Work Department offers theoretical and practical training for students who wish to make development work a lifetime career and commitment. The program aims to develop future social development professionals equipped with the necessary knowledge and orientation on various theories in Human Behavior and Social Environment, Social Change and Development, Administration and Supervision, Social Work Methods, Social Welfare policies and Programs as well as Research.

Bachelor of Science in Social Work

The Ateneo de Davao’s Social Work Program produces Blue Knight social workers who inspire positive change, drive innovation, and strongly advocate for marginalized populations. The program teaches students problem-solving skills and encourages them to use research, collaboration, networking, and resource mobilization to find sustainable solutions. 

Ateneo de Davao’s Social Work Program offers theoretical and practical training for students interested in a lifelong career dedicated to development work. It aims to improve the quality of life of individuals, groups, and communities facing a range of challenges due to societal and economic factors, such as poverty and homelessness, as well as personal and family issues like conflicts, substance abuse, and elderly care. 

The curriculum covers Human Behavior and Social Environment (HBSE), Social Welfare Policies, Programs and Services (SWPPS), Social Work Practice (SWP), and Field Instruction, with students required to complete 1,000 case hours and pass the licensure exam by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Islamic Studies Department

The Islamic Studies Department exists to develop well-rounded professionals equipped to serve the Bangsamoro and broader Muslim communities of Mindanao — training Islamic educators, Shariah practitioners, diplomats, and professionals for the education sector, the Halal world market, and Islamic finance. Its flagship offering is the Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies (AB-AIS), a four-year degree program with a minor in Education, designed so graduates can pursue multiple professional licenses: the Philippine Shariah Bar (Supreme Court), the Licensure Examination for Teachers (PRC), the Civil Service Examination (CSC), and the Qualifying Examination for Arabic Language and Islamic Studies (DepEd).

Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies

International Studies Department

The International Studies Department offers the sole BA in International Studies program. This program responds to a fast-changing, globalizing world by preparing students to engage actively in globalization — recognizing the far-reaching influence of foreign relations, the need to build universal citizens through political, economic, and socio-cultural links, the realities of ecological globalization, and the internationalization of the Social Science discipline.

The four-year program is designed for students interested in politics, economics, sociocultural affairs, history, foreign service, governance, and development work, and is taught through a multi-disciplinary framework that integrates the social sciences, humanities, philosophy, and business. Students may pursue one of two sub-specializations: American Studies or Asian Studies.

Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, Major in American Studies
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, Major in American Studies

Sociology and Development Studies Department

The Sociology and Development Studies Department, through excellence in teaching, research, and service, seeks to contribute to a rigorous, scientific understanding of society that will serve as a powerful resource for strengthening citizenship and communities. It is dedicated to providing students the experience in which they can gain the skills to think critically and analytically the reality of the changing Philippine society in relation to the global situation; gain the ability to use the sociological perspective in developing the knowledge, attitude, and skills vital in becoming a responsible, resourceful and future oriented individual; and develop attitudes that are consistent to societal norms and Filipino values.

Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Developmental Studies program is focused on Mindanao’s development landscape, exploring key issues like poverty, inequality, migration, and displacement through academic study and community immersion. 

Career Opportunities:

  • Development worker or NGO Staff
  • Political Analyst or Project Officer
  • Community Organizer or Advocacy Specialist
  • Social Researcher
  • Communications or Program Coordinator
  • Prepares for Careers in Law, Public Service, or Graduate Studies in Development Fields

Faculty:

  • Ma. Vanessa Amor E. Sobrejuanite-Deloso
  • Jerome A. Serrano
  • Dennis B. Coronel
  • Akeem Jade G. Fabila
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program builds strong foundations in sociological theory and equips students with the skills to analyze social issues, human interactions, and cultural development within historical contexts.

Career Opportunities:

  • Social Researchers
  • Policy or Development Worker
  • Community Organizer or NGO staff
  • Communications or Advocacy Officer
  • Educator or Academic Assistant
  • Pathway to Law, Public Administration, or further social science studies.

Faculty:

  • Ma. Vanessa Amor E. Sobrejuanite-Deloso
  • Jerome A. Serrano
  • Dennis B. Coronel
  • Akeem Jade G. Fabila