Three Policies of the Public Policy Track in the Major in Political Science (Master of Public Policy)

Based on Keio University’s Diploma Policy, the Public Policy Track in the Major in Political Science aims to cultivate highly specialized professionals who possess the ability to identify, analyze, and address diverse phenomena and issues in a globalizing society from a political science perspective, and who are equipped with the qualities required of high-level expert civil servants and policy specialists. In addition, the program confers the degree of Master of Public Policy on students who have fulfilled the prescribed curriculum requirements.

  (1) Acquisition of Expertise as High-Level Expert Civil Servants and Policy Specialists   

Be able to acquire the qualities required of high-level expert civil servants and policy specialists and develop expertise in public policy.

  (2) Acquisition of Expertise in a Specialized Field and Broad, Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge of Political Science

 Be able to explore political science within a specialized field while acquiring a foundational grounding in theories, ideas, and history related to political science and to sociology more broadly.  

  (3) Acquisition of Problem-Finding and Problem-Solving Abilities Related to Political Phenomena 

While remaining aware of tensions in an ever-changing society, be able to analyze social phenomena related to various political developments in both theoretical and practical terms, and identify problems and work toward their resolution.  

  (4) Contribution to Social Progress from a Political Science Perspective 

Be able to contribute to social progress by identifying and analyzing various social phenomena and issues from a political science perspective and presenting approaches to their resolution.  

Based on Keio University’s Diploma Policy, the Public Policy Track in the Major in Political Science aims to cultivate highly specialized professionals who possess the ability to identify, analyze, and address diverse phenomena and issues in a globalizing society from a political science perspective, and who are equipped with the qualities required of high-level expert civil servants and policy specialists. In addition, the program confers the degree of Master of Public Policy on students who have fulfilled the prescribed curriculum requirements.

The curriculum integrates diverse teaching methodologies, including problem-based learning (PBL), active learning, fieldwork, and internships.

Learning outcomes related to the defined competency objectives are evaluated under the university-wide assessment framework. In addition to course-specific grading standards, evaluations incorporate a mix of quantitative and qualitative indicators—both direct and indirect—such as surveys and questionnaires.

(1) To enable students to acquire expertise in public policy, a wide variety of courses in public policy and related fields are offered as “Specialized Tracks.”

(2) To cultivate broad, cross-disciplinary knowledge of political science, the program offers a variety of courses, including “Special Seminars” for intensive study in each specialized field; “Advanced Seminars,” which serve as research seminars; and “Joint Seminars,” which are conducted within and across fields with the participation of multiple faculty members.

(3) In addition to completing the aforementioned “Special Seminars,” “Advanced Seminar Seminars,” and “Joint Seminars,” students cultivate the ability to identify and address problems related to political phenomena through research supervision for the master’s thesis prepared on each student’s research theme.

(4) Regarding contributions to social progress from a political science perspective, students are expected to acquire the necessary skills and viewpoints not only through the aforementioned “Special Seminars,“ “Advanced Seminars,” “Joint Seminars,” and supervision for preparing the master’s thesis, but also through “Project Subjects,” which are established to cultivate perspectives for examining contemporary issues from multiple angles.

(1) Understand the founding principles of Keio University and the educational goals of the Graduate School of Law, and engage proactively and independently in research under its curriculum.

(2) Possess deep knowledge of political science and a broad general education, and be equipped with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and communication ability necessary for research.

(3) Have a creative and critical spirit toward various societal issues, and possess the aptitude and motivation to further deepen their specialized knowledge and to proactively learn and explore its practical applications.

(4) For applicants under the admissions for working professionals: have the aptitude and motivation to develop their abilities as highly specialized professionals by pursuing academic study while leveraging experience as a working member of society.

In order to admit a wide range of applicants, the screening process will be conducted through (1) a general entrance examination, (2) a specialized entrance examination for international students, and (3) an entrance examination for working professionals.

 (1) General Entrance Examination 

 The admissions process assesses whether applicants have acquired the fundamental academic knowledge, logical and political-science-based reasoning ability, and capacity for abstract thinking required to pursue research in public policy. This assessment is conducted through a first-stage written examination (public policy and English) and a second-stage examination administered to those who pass the first stage, comprising an oral examination in public policy and a comprehensive evaluation of submitted theses/dissertations and other application materials. Scores from a language proficiency test (e.g., TOEFL, TOEIC) may be submitted in place of the written English examination.  

 (2) Entrance Examination for International 

 Students The admissions process assesses whether applicants possess the fundamental academic knowledge, logical and critical political-science thinking skills, and capacity for abstract thinking required for research in public policy. Assessment is conducted through a first-stage document review (including the applicant information form, undergraduate academic records, and Japanese-language examination results), followed by a second-stage oral examination in public policy.  

 (3) Entrance Examination for Working Professionals

This examination is for applicants who have graduated from an undergraduate program and have a total of two or more years of full-time employment or other professional experience. The admissions process assesses whether applicants, by leveraging their professional experience, have acquired the fundamental academic knowledge, logical and critical public policy thinking skills, and capacity for abstract thinking required to conduct research in public policy. This assessment is conducted through a first-stage written examination (public policy) and, for those who pass, a second-stage examination comprising an oral examination in public policy and a comprehensive evaluation of submitted application materials, including the applicant’s application form.