Program Features

Recently Completed Research Theses

Policy of Education

Diploma Policy

Master’s Program in Education

The M. A. program aims to nurture researchers and professionals with broad academic knowledge and advanced research skills in the field of education who can work to resolve issues in contemporary society through education while respecting human dignity.

Upon satisfying the requirements for completion of the program and passing the thesis examination, students will be recognized as having acquired the following knowledge and skills and will be awarded a degree:

 

1. ability to gather information on various social phenomena
2. flexible and multifaceted thinking and analytical skills
3. creativity and empathy cultivated through collaboration with diverse groups of people
4. ability to implement solutions to problems
5. ability to properly conduct research and compile the results into an academic paper.

Doctoral Program in Education

The Ph. D. program aims to nurture researchers with broad academic knowledge and advanced research skills in the field of education who can take leadership in resolving issues in contemporary society through education while respecting human dignity.

Upon satisfying the requirements for completion of the program and passing the thesis examination, students will be recognized as having acquired the following knowledge and skills and will be awarded a degree:

 

1. ability to gather information on various social phenomena
2. flexible and multifaceted thinking and analytical skills
3. creativity and empathy cultivated through collaboration with diverse groups of people
4. ability to take leadership in problem-solving
5. ability to carry out research independently and bring new knowledge to academia and policy/practice
6. ability to summarize research results appropriately and disseminate them widely to society

Curriculum Policy

Master’s Program in Education

In line with the Diploma Policy, the curriculum of the M. A. program is offered as follows:

 

1. The M. A. curriculum combines lectures, seminars, and research guidance. In “Lectures”, students will gain an understanding of major themes in the relevant areas of education (philosophy of education, history of education, sociology of education, international education, and others). In the “Seminars”, students aim to deepen their understanding through discussions on specific topics and acquire research skills. In addition, students may take courses from other programs within their own graduate school, and also from other graduate schools for up to 8 credits. By taking these courses, students will acquire the ability to gather information on various social phenomena, as well as broad academic knowledge and the ability to think flexibly and analyze  from multiple perspectives.
2. This program provides diverse learning environments by offering courses in English, cross-listing with other graduate schools, and availing of the United Nations University Commissioned Auditing Program. Furthermore, field experiences and training will be conducted both in Japan and abroad. Students can also gain credits for graduation by studying abroad. Through these activities, students develop their empathy for others, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
3. During the course of the program, students will improve their research skills and competencies by receiving individual guidance from their academic advisor and from other faculty members as needed. Students submit an outline of their research in the spring semester of their second year and give an oral presentation at the mid-term progress meeting. Students will enhance the quality of their research papers by obtaining feedback on their research from faculty members of the Graduate Program in Education and other graduate students.

Doctoral Program in Education

In line with the Diploma Policy, the curriculum of the doctoral program is offered as follows:

 

1. Lecture and seminar courses in relevant sub-fields of education will be offered. Students will review the fundamentals of a sub-field and deepen their understanding through small-group discussions on specific topics. In addition, students will improve their research skills and refine their own research plans through these courses.
2. Students also take dissertation seminar and research guidance courses to prepare their doctoral dissertation. Throughout the course of study, students receive individual guidance from their supervisors on writing the doctoral dissertation and disseminating research results (submission to academic journals, oral presentations at academic conferences, and so on).
3. Additionally, an Advisory Committee consisting of three full-time faculty members is established to provide students with research guidance during their period of study. The members of the committee are chosen in view of the student’s research topic and methodology. This system allows students to proceed with their research and doctoral dissertation while receiving guidance from diverse perspectives. Through these studies, which organically link lectures, seminar courses, and research guidance, students acquire the ability to collect and analyze information in their specialized fields, as well as research skills and competencies to become independent researchers.

Admissions Policy

Master’s Program in Education

The Master’s Program in Education seeks students with the following qualities:

 

1. Students with respect for human dignity and a strong interest in education supporting human growth and learning, as well as in relationship with the surrounding society.
2. Students who have the basic academic skills required to pursue research and are eager to learn.“Basic academic skills” include foreign language skills to collect and analyze information from a broad range of resources and to communicate one’s research outcomes to a wide audience. There are no requirements regarding undergraduate majors, provided a student meets the qualities described here.
3. Students who can cooperate or collaborate with thers in a research environment where a diversity of learners’ backgrounds can leverage their individual experiences and learn from one another.This diverse environment is realized by offering a special provision in entrance exams for adults including schoolteachers and others with work experience, as well as accepting international students.

Doctoral Program in Education

The Doctoral Program in Education seeks students with the following qualities:

 

1. Students with respect for human dignity and a strong interest in education supporting human growth and learning, as well as in relationships with surrounding society.
2. Students who have the basic academic skills required to pursue a doctoral research and are eager to learn.
3. “Basic academic skills” include foreign language skills to collect and analyze information from a broad range of resources and to communicate one’s research outcomes to a wide audience. The program accepts students who completed a Master’s program from Sophia University, or other universities in Japan and overseas, provided they meet the qualities described here.

Faculty Members

Links