Degree
Degrees Conferred
Master of Arts in Sociology
Master of Arts in Psychology
Master of Arts in Education
Ph.D. in Sociology
Ph.D. in Psychology
Ph.D. in Education
Degree Conferral Policy for Each Major
Master's Programs
Sociology
In order to obtain a master’s degree, the following is required of students: (1) Acquisition of specialized knowledge in sociology, (2) Acquisition of research and analytical skills in qualitative and quantitative social research, (3) Acquisition of the ability to apply broad knowledge that connects to interdisciplinary fields, and (4) Acquisition of qualities that enable social and international contributions in the future.
Psychology
In order to obtain a master’s degree, the following is required of students: (1) Acquisition of fundamental, comprehensive, and advanced specialized knowledge in psychology, (2) Acquisition of specialized techniques enabling independent execution of experimental and applied psychological research, (3) Acquisition of the ability to apply broad interdisciplinary knowledge connected to surrounding fields, and (4) Acquisition of qualities for long-term social and international contribution.
Education
In order to obtain a master’s degree, the following is required of students: (1) Acquisition of advanced specialized knowledge in educational studies, (2) Acquisition of specialized techniques enabling theoretical and empirical research in education, (3) Acquisition of the ability to apply broad interdisciplinary knowledge related to educational studies, and (4) Acquisition of qualities for long-term social and international engagement.
Doctoral Programs
Sociology
In order to obtain a doctoral degree, the following is required of students: (1) Acquisition of advanced specialized knowledge in sociology and the ability to generate and publish new insights, (2) Acquisition of advanced research and analytical skills in qualitative and quantitative social research, enabling independent research, (3) Acquisition of advanced ability to apply broad interdisciplinary knowledge and collaborate within research communities, (4) Acquisition of advanced qualities for long-term social and international contribution, and the ability to apply them practically, and (5) Acquisition of advanced and specialized qualities for training and guiding future researchers and professionals.
Psychology
In order to obtain a doctoral degree, the following is required of students: (1) Acquisition of highly advanced and practical specialized knowledge in psychology, (2) Acquisition of advanced specialized techniques enabling experimental and applied psychological research, (3) Acquisition of broad interdisciplinary knowledge, flexible thinking, and originality, (4) Acquisition of advanced expertise and transferable skills for long-term social and international contribution, (5) Acquisition of skills for setting research questions, planning, and executing advanced academic research independently, and (6) Acquisition of advanced and specialized qualities for training and mentoring future researchers and professionals.
Education
In order to obtain a doctoral degree, the following is required of students: (1) Acquisition of advanced specialized knowledge in education and the ability to generate and publish new insights, (2) Acquisition of advanced techniques enabling independent theoretical and empirical research in education, (3) Acquisition of broad interdisciplinary knowledge, flexible thinking, and originality, enabling collaboration within research communities, (4) Acquisition of advanced expertise and transferable skills for long-term social and international engagement, (5) Acquisition of advanced and specialized skills for planning and executing research independently,and (6) Acquisition of advanced and specialized qualities for mentoring and training future researchers and professionals.
Graduation Requirements
Master’s Programs
・Acquire at least 32 class credits
・Pass defense of master’s thesis
Doctoral Programs
・Acquire at least 20 class credits
・Pass defense of doctoral dissertation
Thesis Review Criteria
The below standards will apply to thesis and dissertation writing guidance and screening, in accordance with the aims of the respective majors of the graduate school.
Master’s Thesis
Clarity of issues identified: How clearly does the student identify issues for research?
Suitability of chosen research topic: Is the student’s research topic suitable considering the current state of the field?
Literature review: Does the student give a suitable review of previous research and show its relevance to their chosen topic?
Validity of research methods: Are the student’s research methods valid for the chosen topic, and are analytical methods used appropriately?
Logical cohesion of the thesis: Is the thesis written in a logical and cohesive manner?
Meaningfulness of research results: Does the research provide new insights?
Possibility to develop the research further: Does the student demonstrate how the research can lead to further studies?
Appropriateness of expression, notation, and format: Are the student’s expressions, quotations, references, etc. appropriate for an academic paper?
Are research ethics taken into consideration?
Doctoral Dissertation
Clarity of issues identified: How clearly does the student identify issues for research?
Suitability of chosen research topic: Is the student’s research topic suitable considering the current state of the field?
Literature review: Does the student give a suitable review of previous research and show its relevance to their chosen topic?
Validity of research methods: Are the student’s research methods valid for the chosen topic, and are analytical methods used appropriately?
Logical cohesion of the thesis: Is the thesis structured systematically and written in a logical and cohesive manner?
Meaningfulness of research results: Does the research provide significant new insights which can advance the state of research in the field?
Possibility to develop the research further: Does the student demonstrate how the research can lead to further ground-breaking research that contributes to society?
Appropriateness of expression, notation, and format: Are the student’s expressions, quotations, references, etc. appropriate for an academic paper?
Are research ethics taken into consideration?