The Faculty of Arts and Sciences houses 22 academic departments, programs, and centers in three major areas of study: the humanities, the social sciences, and the basic sciences. It offers undergraduate programs leading to bachelor's degrees as well as graduate education leading to master's degrees in most fields. It expects to offer PhD degrees in selected fields in the future. The role of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences as the "Gateway to Higher Education" at the University and in the region is central to its mission, promoting liberal education through freedom of choice.