In a university that has traditionally emphasized natural sciences and engineering, the College of Social Sciences carries the historical mission of rectifying the long-standing imbalance in the University's academic program, at both graduate and undergraduate levels. This College seeks, therefore, not only to train a new generation of social scientists, but more importantly, to add a social science dimension and perspective to the curriculum of the overwhelming majority of undergraduate students who are firmly grounded in natural sciences. The College not only provides comprehensive courses in social sciences for the students, but also offers foundation courses for students to broaden their perspectives on national and world affairs as well as to enhance their analytical skills. And this is to be accomplished primarily through offering general education courses and organizing various scholarly activities. The entire teaching program is designed to promote the students' general understanding of, and interest in, social sciences, with a view not only to broaden their intellectual horizons, but also to inculcate among them an avid interest in, and a serious concern about, the nation's social environment. At the same time, this College also intends to participate actively in the various projects of economic development, political reform, and cultural advancement in southern Taiwan, in order to accelerate the process of national development.

The College provides comprehensive programs in social sciences for students. The faculty is eager to keep up with the pace of global development in the field of social sciences. Regarding academic research, the College has an aspiration to be one of the best research organizations by offering comprehensive doctorate and post-doctorate programs and providing interdisciplinary research activities. In addition to the promotion of inter-college, inter-university, and international intellectual exchanges, the College also considers publishing a Social Sciences Monograph Series, as well as the Social Sciences Working Papers, both of which will be open to public assessment.