The Three Policies of the School of Engineering and Design (Ph.D. in Science)

Based on the diploma policy outlined by Keio University, this program aims to cultivate students who value diversity and use their expertise in science and technology to boldly venture into unknown frontiers and lead society. Moreover, our objective is to foster individuals who can solve concrete problems and drive societal progress, building on their abilities to analyze and model real-world phenomena. They will learn to design and integrate the technologies and engineering systems needed to achieve this through cutting-edge research in foundational and liberal-arts-infused engineering.

Drawing on this foundation, we specifically aim to cultivate talent who fully dedicate themselves to pioneering research with the goal of identifying and solving specific challenges—empowering them to apply their advanced ability in designing and integrating engineering systems to make tangible contributions to the broader advancement of society.

In addition, the degree of Doctor of Science will be conferred upon students who demonstrate a deep understanding of current knowledge, theories, and phenomena in the natural sciences, and who fulfill all the prescribed curriculum requirements.

(1) Demonstrate a strong determination to contribute to society, utilizing one's unique talents to proactively identify problems.

(2) Demonstrate the ability to break down complex problems into manageable elements and tackle them using advanced academic and technological expertise.

(3) Demonstrate the ability to generate world-leading, creative research outcomes across a broad spectrum of science and technology, from basic to applied fields.

(4) Demonstrate the ability to independently conduct advanced research across a wide range of science and technology fields, proactively identify opportunities to apply one's expertise, and explore emerging frontiers with an appreciation for diverse values.

The above four competency objectives are common across all schools.

(5) Demonstrate the ability to conduct innovative, exploratory, and creative research and education by leveraging a strong academic foundation and research competencies in one's field.

(6) Demonstrate the ability to contextualize core technologies within a broader scope of engineering and apply specialized expertise to solve real-world problems.

(7) Demonstrate the ability to identify opportunities to apply one's knowledge and expertise.

(8) Demonstrate a deep understanding of natural sciences—including their foundational knowledge, theories, and observed phenomena—and the ability to apply and extrapolate their various laws.

The doctoral final examination consists of a comprehensive review, focusing primarily on the candidate’s dissertation and knowledge of related fields. In particular, the research underlying the candidate’s dissertation must contribute to the advancement of science, technology, and industry. Furthermore, it must feature pioneering content that drives innovative R&D for far-reaching global impact.

The curriculum is comprised of specialized research courses. This program delivers instruction on defining research questions, methodologies for arriving at solutions, research execution, achieving convergence, and thesis preparation to develop and refine research skills to ensure students meet the completion requirements outlined in the School of Engineering and Design’s degree conferral policy.

Students conduct research under the guidance of their academic advisor, actively gaining international research experience while summarizing the results in their doctoral dissertation. The curriculum provides structured, step-by-step guidance from multiple faculty members throughout this process.

Through cutting-edge research grounded in the fundamental engineering disciplines of mechanical engineering, electrical and information engineering, and system design engineering as well as interdisciplinary engineering that integrates these fundamental disciplines with liberal arts, this program aims to nurture scientists able to advance global society by boldly taking on challenges in uncharted research fields in addition to globally competitive engineers with real-world application skills. Students are encouraged to engage in diverse research activities that align with their personal interests to cultivate unique, world-class research capabilities.

The criteria for evaluating students’ learning outcomes in relation to the competency objectives of this program shall be carried out in accordance with the grading rubrics for each course. Specific evaluation criteria for reports, discussions, and research presentations are outlined in course syllabi.

Additionally, with the Assessment Plan in mind, the university promotes institution-wide efforts to improve teaching methods based on student feedback from course questionnaires, while encouraging students’ independent and self-directed learning.

The following competency objectives will be cultivated through research courses.

(1) Demonstrate a strong determination to contribute to society, utilizing one's unique talents to proactively identify problems.

(2) Demonstrate the ability to break down complex problems into manageable elements and tackle them using advanced academic and technological expertise.

(3) Demonstrate the ability to generate world-leading, creative research outcomes across a broad spectrum of science and technology, from basic to applied fields.

(4) Demonstrate the ability to independently conduct advanced research across a wide range of science and technology fields, proactively identify opportunities to apply one's expertise, and explore emerging frontiers with an appreciation for diverse values.

(5) Demonstrate the ability to conduct innovative, exploratory, and creative research and education by leveraging a strong academic foundation and research competencies in one's field.

(6) Demonstrate the ability to contextualize core technologies within a broader scope of engineering and apply specialized expertise to solve real-world problems.

(7) Demonstrate the ability to identify opportunities to apply one's knowledge and expertise.

(8) Demonstrate a deep understanding of natural sciences—including their foundational knowledge, theories, and observed phenomena—and the ability to apply and extrapolate their various laws.

Research courses are structured to build these core competencies through guided instruction in defining research questions, methodology, project execution, outcome synthesis, and dissertation preparation. Through both domestic and international research activities, students develop their work and submit a doctoral dissertation for evaluation. Together, these research activities form the core content of the curriculum.

The School of Engineering and Design seeks students with the following qualities, motivation, and interests.

(1) Students who strongly resonate with the Graduate School of Science and Technology’s human resource development goals and education/research objectives who possess a desire to enhance their knowledge of science and technology, acquire communication skills that emphasize diversity, and attain the capabilities to venture into uncharted territories based on science and technology, driven by their own independent thought and action.

(2) Students who aspire to conduct high-level research across diverse international fields and are committed to making meaningful societal contributions through their work.

(3) Students who possess a solid foundation in fundamental engineering such as mechanical engineering, electrical and information engineering, and system design engineering, and have a strong desire to contribute to the development of fundamental engineering and interdisciplinary engineering.

(4) Students who wish to play an active role globally and have a strong interest in the social implementation of new technologies.

To admit a wide range of candidates who embody these qualities, selection will be conducted through entrance examinations in July and February. A separate entrance examination will be conducted for students from overseas universities applying for the International Graduate Programs on Advanced Science and Technology. Through this selection process, we strive to create an educational and research environment that drives intellectual synergy by bringing together students with diverse skills and backgrounds to inspire and challenge one another. 

(1) July Examinations: Selection is primarily based on document screening; however, applicants may be asked to sit for an oral examination if necessary.

(2) February Examinations: Selection is primarily based on document screening; however, applicants may be asked to sit for an oral examination if necessary.

(3) International Graduate Programs on Advanced Science and Technology Examinations: With multiple application periods per year, selection is primarily based on document screening and an oral examination.