A Fully English-Taught Undergraduate Program to Develop Future Leaders Driving Green Transformation through Data Science

Sophia University will launch the Department of Digital Green Technology (DGTech) within the Faculty of Science and Technology in April 2027, following the acceptance of its notification of establishment and approval of an increase in student capacity by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

DGTech is a new undergraduate program designed to cultivate future leaders who can drive Green Transformation (GX) through data science-based engineering and contribute to building a sustainable society. As global challenges such as climate change and resource constraints become increasingly urgent, society requires both the advancement of GX toward carbon neutrality and the development of the digital technologies that support it.

To prepare students from diverse backgrounds to address global challenges, DGTech will offer all courses in English. Through cutting-edge engineering education grounded in data science and digital technologies, the program aims to nurture the next generation of innovators capable of creating solutions for a sustainable future.

Key Features of DGTech

1. Interdisciplinary Learning Grounded in Data Science and Digital Technologies

The curriculum places data science and digital technologies at its core while integrating traditional science and engineering disciplines, including applied chemistry, life sciences, mechanical engineering, and electrical and electronic engineering. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the role of engineering in society and learn to create new value by combining data science with knowledge from multiple fields.

2. A Fully English-Taught Curriculum

All classes, examinations, reports, research supervision, and thesis writing will be conducted in English. As GX is a global challenge, English-language education provides students with the practical skills needed to thrive in international environments.

Since 2012, the Faculty of Science and Technology has offered English-taught degree programs. Drawing on the experience and expertise gained through these programs, DGTech will further advance Sophia University’s world-class science and engineering education in English

3. Practical Learning for Real-World Problem Solving

Through project-based learning and internships in collaboration with companies and local governments, students will gain hands-on experience throughout the problem-solving process, from identifying challenges to developing and applying solutions. The program emphasizes practical skills that enable students to address complex issues in real-world settings.

Courses in entrepreneurship, intellectual property, and international standardization will further strengthen students’ ability to translate technological innovations into solutions that create value for society.

4.An Intensive Learning Environment with Small Class Sizes

With 10 faculty members for an annual intake of 50 students, DGTech offers a highly supportive learning environment that balances advanced specialization with individualized academic guidance. This close-knit setting enables students to deepen their expertise while benefiting from meaningful interaction with faculty members.

Curriculum

The DGTech curriculum is built around three pillars:

  • Applied Chemistry and Life Sciences, which provide knowledge and technologies related to materials and biosciences
  • Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Physics, which focus on systems-related knowledge and technologies
  • Data Science and Informatics, which serve as the foundation of DX and support both of the above fields

The curriculum is structured to guide students from foundational studies to advanced study.

During the first and second years, students build a strong grounding in mathematics, data science, and the natural sciences, establishing the fundamentals of science and engineering. Early exposure to programming and data analysis equips students with the essential skills needed for advanced study in their chosen fields.

From the third year onward, students deepen their knowledge and technical expertise in their selected area of specialization while taking advanced GX-related courses supported by DX technologies. In the fourth year, students undertake a graduation research project, where they define a research challenge, conduct analysis and validation, and develop solutions.

Through this process, students integrate the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the four-year program and strengthen their ability to apply them to real-world challenges.

Areas of Faculty Expertise (as of July 8, 2026)

(1) Algorithms and Discrete Mathematics

(2) Bioinformatics and Machine Learning

(3) Physical Chemistry and Geoscience

(4) Materials Informatics

(5) Biomedical and Biophysics

(6) Urban Transportation Systems and Energy Management

(7) Autonomous Driving, ITS, Computer Vision, and Machine Learning

(8) Information Security and Communications Engineering

(9) Data Science and Network Science

(10) Time Series Analysis and Tensor Networks

 

Department Overview

Department Name

Department of Digital Green Technology

Faculty

Faculty of Science and Technology

Degree Awarded

Bachelor of Engineering in Digital Green Technology

Enrollment Capacity

50 students per year (approximately half are expected to be international students)

Total Capacity

200 students

Number of Faculty Number

10

Language of Instruction

English

Campus

Yotsuya Campus, Sophia University

Website

https://fst.sophia.ac.jp/en/department/dgtech

Admissions

Entry Period

April (Spring Semester) and September (Autumn Semester)

Admission Process

Applicants will be evaluated through document screening using academic qualifications such as SAT, ACT, IB, GCE A-Level, and EJU scores, together with TOEFL iBT® or IELTS scores.

Additional Information

For April entry, applicants will be selected through recommendation-based admissions, special admissions for Catholic high schools in Japan, the Jesuit High School Special Admissions Program, and document screening.

Online Information Session

Join our online information sessions to learn more about the department, curriculum, and admissions process. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions directly to faculty members and Admissions Office staff. Sessions will be held in July and October. For details and registration, please visit the admissions website via the button below.

 

Date
  1. Thursday, July 23 (in English)
  2. Tuesday, July 28 (in Japanese)
  3. Tuesday, October 13 (in English)
  4. Wednesday, October 14 (in Japanese)
Time (JST)

4 PM‐5 PM

Format

Zoom Webinar

Introducing DGTech

A video introducing the background behind the establishment of DGTech and the department’s key features is available on Sophia University’s official YouTube channel.


Department Inquiries

Planning Office for the DGTech (dgtech-co@sophia.ac.jp)

Admissions Inquiries

Admissions Office (admission-u-co@sophia.ac.jp)

Press Inquiries

Office of Public Relations (sophiapr-co@sophia.ac.jp)

Sophia University

For Others, With Others