Current position

Three policies

Degree Program in Gerontology (Master's Program)

Diploma Policy

Our educational practices focus on mastering graduate-level liberal arts (including the acquisition of research methodologies in humanities and social sciences, and the construction of a rich high-level academic foundation) and developing high-level professional readiness, while also considering the cultivation of practical skills indispensable for success in the era of globalization. Based on the acquisition of academic theories in gestational research, we aim to acquire the knowledge and skills expected of professionals and to cultivate higher-order thinking skills.

Based on the Graduate School's "Policy on Completion Certification and Degree Conferral," a Master of Arts (Grade 2) degree will be awarded to those who meet all four of the following conditions.

Applicants must meet the prescribed enrollment period and credit requirements, accumulating at least 34 credits.
Applicants must have passed the review of their master's thesis or research report, as well as the final examination.
Individuals who can appropriately apply specialized Area knowledge and research methods to solve and clarify issues related to gerontology.
Individuals who have practical abilities sufficient to fully demonstrate their knowledge and research methods in other Area and community activities.

Curriculum Policy

Based on the graduate school's "Curriculum Organization and Implementation Policy," this degree program includes one mandatory unit for all students and seven elective units. Completing these units ensures students acquire fundamental research skills and the exceptional abilities required for professions demanding high levels of expertise. The curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive learning from various perspectives (disciplinary, interdisciplinary, thematic, problem-oriented, and professional), enabling students to acquire research methods, analytical methods, and information processing methods, while also interdisciplinaryly studying and researching issues in gerontology, from fundamental to applied levels.

① Characteristics of the curriculum

The curriculum incorporates units and courses that take into account the interdisciplinary nature characteristic of gerontology. The required unit, "General Gerontology," includes gerontology courses from the fields of medicine, psychology, and sociology. Furthermore, three units are provided to deepen learning in specific areas of gerontology, such as "Development of Geriatric Medicine," "Development of Geriatric Psychology," and "Development of Geriatric Welfare Studies." In addition, two units, "Research Methods" and "Analysis Techniques," are provided to cultivate the ability to proactively and independently engage in research activities. Moreover, two units, "To Extend Healthy Life Expectancy" and "To Understand a Community-Based Inclusive Society," provide courses that address more contemporary issues in the field of gerontology.

② Educational methods and implementation system

"Specialized Seminars" are designed as practical courses for students to complete their master's theses or research reports under the guidance of their supervising faculty members. To enable students to engage in research more proactively, the supervising faculty members provide guidance on theses and other research, share information with faculty members in charge of the students' other courses, and offer advice on the students' research activities.

③ Evaluation of learning outcomes and research results

The master's thesis is prepared through academic efforts such as researching previous studies, defining a research theme, and collecting relevant materials. The research results report emphasizes practical aspects, focusing on case studies related to the student's own practice and creating a practical paper. Both are reviewed by the examination committee after an interim presentation and a final examination, and evaluated in accordance with the "Policy for Completion Certification and Degree Awarding" of this degree program.

Admissions Policy

The student admission policy for this degree program is as follows:

The aim is to cultivate highly skilled professionals, researchers, and educators with specialized knowledge to realize a safe and secure aging society and to provide support that improves the quality of life for the elderly.

[Desired Student Profile]

・Interested in issues related to an aging society and the elderly, with issues to be solved, and motivated to study and research gerontology not only in their own field but also in interdisciplinary fields.
・Those aiming to clarify various issues of aging societies in Asia and other countries (including international students and Japanese individuals considering overseas activities)
・Those who have graduated from a bachelor's degree and believe that communication with the elderly and knowledge about the elderly are useful, necessary, and can be utilized in their future careers.
・Those with basic academic ability and motivation to effectively apply knowledge about the elderly and aging society in a wide range of professions
・Those who want to deepen their understanding of aging society and issues related to the elderly, and apply the knowledge they have acquired to their own way of life and activities in their local communities
・Regardless of specialty or background, those who possess basic knowledge of each specialty Area, and have the ability to connect these knowledge to various Area issues such as aging society, the elderly, longevity, aging, and lifelong development, as well as the potential to acquire those skills.