Programs for Studying Specialties & Earning a Degree in English

Sophia University’s undergraduate-level English degree programs include the Faculty of Liberal Arts (FLA); the Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures (SPSF), an English-taught program offered jointly by six departments that address sustainable futures; and the English courses within the Faculty of Science and Technology (the Green Science Program and the Green Engineering Program).

The Faculty of Liberal Arts traces its origins to the International Division, established in 1949 as Japan’s first university program to offer all its courses in English, providing a comprehensive liberal arts education covering a wide range of fields. The program is especially distinguished by its small class sizes that emphasize discussion. Students from Japan and countries around the world gather, sharing and cultivating diverse perspectives, to nurture individuals ready to contribute to the world.

SPSF is a program in which students belong to one of six humanities and social sciences departments* and pursue specialized fields while exploring the shared theme of “sustainable futures.” It has grown increasingly popular in recent years as it meets the needs of students who wish to deeply study interdisciplinary fields in English.

The Faculty of Science and Technology’s English courses consist of two programs: the Green Science Program within the Department of Materials and Life Sciences, and the Green Engineering Program within the Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

In the 2027 academic year, these two courses will be further developed as part of a new department, the Department of Digital Green Technology (tentative name: DG　Tech/planning in progress). The new department will center its curriculum on data science and digital technologies to realize a sustainable green society, while offering integrated learning with existing fields in science and engineering.

With the establishment of this new department, we aim to create an even more global learning environment. To ensure participation from a diverse, international student body, we plan to reserve half of the enrollment capacity for international students. While the current English courses in the Faculty of Science and Technology benefit from small class sizes, available courses tend to be limited. By creating a full department, dedicated faculty members can be assigned and the curriculum expanded, offering a more robust learning experience. When visiting high schools that offer the International Baccalaureate (IB), we have received comments from guidance counselors, such as: “For students who want to study science and engineering in English, the Department of Digital Green Technology could become a valuable option to do so within Japan.” These comments underscore the importance of having a department where science and engineering can be studied in English.

In establishing this new department, consideration for students’ post-graduation options is also necessary. We want students to pursue graduate school where appropriate, and if possible, remain in Japan to play an active role in its future. In addition to scholarships for study, we aim to enhance our Japanese language courses for international students and career support for future employment in Japan.

English Proficiency Requirements for Sophia University Applicants

In recent years, the university has increasingly incorporated externally-administered English proficiency tests into its General Entrance Examination. This is because we want students to acquire balanced English skills across all four areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. While expectations differ by faculty and department, the general target for applicants is roughly equivalent to the Eiken (English-language proficiency test for Japanese speakers) Grade -2 level.

However, English-taught Degree Programs require a higher level of English proficiency. Many applicants come from educational systems different from typical Japanese high schools. To ensure fairness, we require official scores from SAT, TOEFL®, or IELTS, as well as English essays.

While many students admitted to Sophia’s English-taught programs are graduates of international schools or IB programs, the reality is that their English proficiency varies. Therefore, we have incorporated courses into the curriculum that help students develop fundamental academic English skills and have established a support system to strengthen their abilities.

The True Value of Learning and Discussing in English

In the past, English was indispensable for accessing foreign research. While that largely remains true, to tackle global challenges that cannot be solved by one nation alone, it is essential to disseminate information, engage in discussions with people around the world, and create new ideas. Looking back on my own experiences abroad, approaches to challenges and idea generation differ depending on one’s language environment. To understand these differences, demonstrate leadership, and bring others into the conversation, we strive to minimize linguistic barriers wherever possible.

In recent years, many universities have discontinued their Entrance Examinations for Japanese students returning to Japan for their university studies. However, Sophia continues to offer this, and the number of applicants is increasing. Students who have studied abroad will often think and create differently from those raised in Japan, and welcoming such diverse students benefits both the university and our student body as a whole.

I truly believe, and it is widely said, that one of Sophia University’s greatest strengths is that it has created an environment where students can freely learn. This environment transcends the boundaries between the humanities and sciences, and now is growing stronger in its English language offerings. I look forward to English-taught specialized studies continuing to gain strength at Sophia University.