Three Policies for the Doctor of Public Health

Based on the Diploma Policy (Policy on Graduation Certification and Degree Conferral) of Keio University, the program aims to cultivate professionals who can be active in the fields of practice, research, or education as public health experts. This is achieved not only by having students acquire advanced specialized knowledge related to health, medicine, welfare, and sports, but also by developing their management skills. These skills include the insight to identify health issues faced by individuals and society; the logical thinking ability to infer the underlying structures and causal relationships of these issues and formulate hypotheses; the analytical skills to test hypotheses in a manner that is convincing to all; and the communication skills to share and implement derived conclusions. The program also fosters leadership that guides society based on consideration for diversity, multiculturalism, and a high sense of professional ethics.

Furthermore, public health is a practical academic discipline aimed at maintaining and improving the health and well-being of all people. Recognizing the strong demand for professionals who can solve health issues ranging from local to global scales across the broad fields of health, medicine, and care, the program also aims to cultivate individuals who will be leaders in achieving a global society of health and longevity as agents of global health solutions, and who can make new discoveries and unique academic contributions that transcend existing knowledge.

In addition, the degree of Doctor of Public Health will be conferred upon students who fulfill the prescribed requirements set forth in the curriculum.

• Ability to conduct original research in the field of public health and to develop new theories and practical approaches by utilizing specialized knowledge of the five core areas of public health and related fields.

• Ability to empirically analyze domestic and international public health issues and to propose solutions and policy recommendations based on scientific evidence.

• Ability to disseminate findings that contribute to the advancement of public health through domestic and international academic activities, including writing academic papers and presenting at conferences.

• Ability to interpret matters and phenomena in the field of public health meticulously and with a broad perspective, free from bias, prejudice, and preconceptions, while also considering the context.

The Major in Public Health, Sport and Health Sciences (Doctor of Public Health program) at the Graduate School of Health Management systematically organizes a curriculum composed of advanced seminar courses and joint seminar courses to cultivate the qualities and competencies set forth in the Diploma Policy (Policy on Graduation Certification and degree conferral).

Based on this curriculum design, education is conducted by combining various teaching methods, including experiments, practical training, and practicums; fieldwork; presentations; discussions and debates; and research projects.

Under the assessment plan for the entire Juku, the assessment of learning outcomes for the target qualities and competencies to be acquired through this curriculum is conducted using direct indicators based on the grading criteria established for each course. This is supplemented by quantitative, qualitative, direct, and indirect indicators, including the status of credit acquisition each semester, course evaluation surveys, doctoral dissertations, and end-of-program surveys.

• Advanced Seminar Courses and Joint Seminar Courses

Students acquire the theories, empirical research methods, and analytical techniques that form the foundation for conducting original research in the field of public health. They cultivate the ability to interpret matters and phenomena meticulously and with a broad perspective, free from bias, prejudice, and preconceptions, and the ability to proactively engage in the social implementation of research findings in collaboration with various professionals. They also develop the fundamental skills required for academic activities, including presentations at domestic and international conferences.

• Courses Offered in the Master's Program

Students acquire specialized knowledge of the five core areas of public health or the fundamental theories and specific methods of analysis.

• Common Graduate School Courses

Students acquire the fundamental theories and specific methods of analysis.

(1) Students who understand the objectives of the Graduate School and the Program.

(2) Students who possess the foundational academic skills required for study at the Graduate School.

(3) Students with a strong curiosity for academic inquiry.

(4) Motivated students who are willing to take on challenges to achieve their goals.

(5) Students with the communication skills to listen attentively to the opinions of others and to logically express their own thoughts.

(6) Students who wish to advance cutting-edge research in public health and generate new findings.

(7) Students who are motivated to contribute to solving public health challenges, both domestically and internationally.

(8) Students who are interested in evidence-based public health policy recommendations and program development.

To admit a wide range of such students, selection is conducted through an entrance examination.

- Entrance Examination

Eligibility is granted to those who have completed a master's program or are expected to do so by the time of enrollment. Selection is based on a comprehensive assessment of application documents, including a research plan; English proficiency test scores; and an interview.