The Cordillera Studies Center (CSC) is the research arm of the University of the Philippines Baguio. The CSC came into being in June 1980 when the Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines approved its establishment as the research and extension arm of the Division of Social Sciences (now the College of Social Sciences).

The activities of the Center are guided by the following key concepts: (a) a multi-disciplinary approach to research, (b) close linkage with local communities to enable the Center to respond to social issues confronting the region, and (c) a vision of social science practice relevant to the process of social transformation. Its research activities focus on highland agriculture using the agro-ecosystem framework; population, resources and environment; and issues in governance and policy. Its research agenda include studies on women and gender; local economic, political and social institutions; indigenous knowledge and world views; local history, and health. Issues in Cordillera regional autonomy is an important component of its research program.

The CSC also accommodates the research interests of faculty from the humanities and natural sciences, with the Center providing assistance in the conduct of researches in these domains.