Three policies
Index
1. Policy on Completion Certification and Degree Awarding (Diploma Policy)
Our educational practices focus on mastering graduate-level liberal arts (building a rich, high-level academic foundation including the acquisition of research methodologies in the humanities and social sciences) and developing advanced professional skills (professional readiness), while also considering the cultivation of practical functions essential for success in the era of globalization. Simultaneously, we aim to support students in acquiring specific professional competencies, such as the ability to analyze, decide, propose, and take appropriate action. Furthermore, we hope to socialize students within the "thinking process" of their profession; that is, to teach them customs, ethics, workplace relationships, and the expected modes of behavior within that world. Professionals are expected to be autonomous in the workplace. They are expected, and are expected, to make decisions using their professional abilities under minimal supervision and guidance.
本大学院は、「一般的並びに専門的教養を習得して、高度の専門性を有する研究並びに職業等に必要な能力を養うことによって、広く国際的な文化向上に寄与する人物を養成することを目的とする」（大学院学則第 1 条より抜粋）を基本理念とし、本大学院の各専攻分野における学位プログラムの課程を修め、定められた期間在学し、所定の単位を修得し、論文又は研究成果報告に基づく最終審査に合格した者について修了を認定し学位を授与します。 修了認定においては、博士前期課程・修士課程にあっては、それぞれの専門分野における精深な学識を修得し、当該専攻分野における研究能力又は高度の専門性が求められる職業を担うために必要な卓越した能力を身につけたかどうかを判定します。また、博士後期課程においては、当該専攻分野について、研究者として自立して研究活動を行い、又はその他の高度に専門的な業務に従事するに必要な高度の研究能力及びその基礎となる豊かな学識を身につけたかどうかを判定します。
2. Curriculum Development and Implementation Policy
To achieve the results outlined in the "Policy on Completion Certification and Degree Awarding," this graduate school has structured its curriculum separately for the Master's and Doctoral programs. In the Master's and Doctoral programs, common subjects for the graduate school include "Advanced Topics in Social Science Research Methods," "Advanced Topics in Humanities Research Methods," and "Specialized Seminar," ensuring the expertise necessary to undertake professions requiring a high level of specialization. Furthermore, by offering "Advanced Subject Groups," students acquire specialized skills by taking courses related to the fields in which they wish to deepen their understanding. In the Doctoral program, seminars, practical training, internships, and surveys are the main teaching methods, and research guidance for the preparation of doctoral dissertations is provided based on these. Based on the above curriculum structure, the curriculum is organized as follows according to the characteristics of each specialized field.
(1) Characteristics of the curriculum
In response to the accelerating informatization and the resulting increase in the amount of knowledge, as well as the trend towards expanding adult education and lifelong learning, we are incorporating the following into our education system.
① Deepening of specialized knowledge in applied academic fields that could not be achieved through undergraduate education.
② With the increasing amount of knowledge required, continuing education for working adults (in-service training), including the retraining of university graduates, is becoming more common.
③ We will establish an interdisciplinary curriculum, which is not yet widespread at the graduate level in Japan, and adopt the form of a joint graduate school that brings together experts from across departmental boundaries. This will not be the traditional graduate school model attached to a vertically structured department, but rather a system in which faculty and subjects are organized as a team to match students' areas of interest.
④ Development of an educational policy to accept as many outstanding international students as possible.
(2) Educational methods and implementation system
This graduate school allows graduates of any field of study—humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences—to flexibly combine and conduct research. It also accepts working professionals and international students with diverse professional backgrounds, and aims to train not only researchers in specialized fields but also highly skilled professionals.
(3) Evaluation of learning outcomes and research outcomes
To evaluate and certify learning outcomes, we appropriately assess how well students have achieved the learning goals set forth in the "Policy on Completion Certification and Degree Awarding," as well as the characteristics of the curriculum, teaching methods, and implementation system. For this reason, the required learning outcomes and evaluation criteria are set for each individual subject.
Based on the evaluation of learning outcomes in each of the above subjects, students proceed to the stage of compiling their research results as the culmination of their learning activities in each program and as proof of the abilities acquired by those who have completed each program. In the Master's and Doctoral Programs (Early Stage), students must choose either a master's thesis or a research report, receive the necessary research guidance, and pass the examination and final examination for their master's thesis or research report. In the Doctoral Program (Late Stage), students must select a research supervisor and topic, receive research guidance for the prescribed number of years, pass the "Comprehensive Examination," work on their doctoral dissertation, and pass the examination and final examination for their doctoral dissertation.
(1) Characteristics of the curriculum
In response to the accelerating informatization and the resulting increase in the amount of knowledge, as well as the trend towards expanding adult education and lifelong learning, we are incorporating the following into our education system.
① Deepening of specialized knowledge in applied academic fields that could not be achieved through undergraduate education.
② With the increasing amount of knowledge required, continuing education for working adults (in-service training), including the retraining of university graduates, is becoming more common.
③ We will establish an interdisciplinary curriculum, which is not yet widespread at the graduate level in Japan, and adopt the form of a joint graduate school that brings together experts from across departmental boundaries. This will not be the traditional graduate school model attached to a vertically structured department, but rather a system in which faculty and subjects are organized as a team to match students' areas of interest.
④ Development of an educational policy to accept as many outstanding international students as possible.
(2) Educational methods and implementation system
This graduate school allows graduates of any field of study—humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences—to flexibly combine and conduct research. It also accepts working professionals and international students with diverse professional backgrounds, and aims to train not only researchers in specialized fields but also highly skilled professionals.
(3) Evaluation of learning outcomes and research outcomes
To evaluate and certify learning outcomes, we appropriately assess how well students have achieved the learning goals set forth in the "Policy on Completion Certification and Degree Awarding," as well as the characteristics of the curriculum, teaching methods, and implementation system. For this reason, the required learning outcomes and evaluation criteria are set for each individual subject.
Based on the evaluation of learning outcomes in each of the above subjects, students proceed to the stage of compiling their research results as the culmination of their learning activities in each program and as proof of the abilities acquired by those who have completed each program. In the Master's and Doctoral Programs (Early Stage), students must choose either a master's thesis or a research report, receive the necessary research guidance, and pass the examination and final examination for their master's thesis or research report. In the Doctoral Program (Late Stage), students must select a research supervisor and topic, receive research guidance for the prescribed number of years, pass the "Comprehensive Examination," work on their doctoral dissertation, and pass the examination and final examination for their doctoral dissertation.
3. Admissions Policy
The type of student we produce
Based on the founding principles of Obirin Gakuen, which are "based on Christian principles and to cultivate internationally-minded individuals with language skills," we cultivate individuals who aim to contribute to academia and society through specialization and practical experience, in accordance with the characteristics of each degree program. In the Master's and Doctoral (First Stage) programs, students acquire profound academic knowledge in their respective fields of specialization and are trained to possess the outstanding abilities necessary to undertake research in that field or to take on occupations that require a high level of expertise. In the Doctoral (Second Stage) program, students are trained to possess the research abilities and rich academic knowledge necessary to independently conduct research activities as researchers in their respective fields or to engage in other highly specialized work.
Desired Applicants
This graduate school, sharing the founding principles of Obirin Gakuen, leverages the advantages of its unique joint graduate school structure to seek individuals who can proactively engage in interdisciplinary research and multifaceted learning in order to acquire the multifaceted perspectives and knowledge necessary for the knowledge-based society of the future. Furthermore, we broadly seek individuals from all countries and regions who can actively engage in collaborative research and practical activities with people of different values across national and regional boundaries.
Skills you should acquire before enrollment and selection methods
Applicants are expected to possess the following skills and abilities upon enrollment. Selection will be conducted through a multifaceted admissions system that takes into account the characteristics of each degree program. Since evaluation points differ depending on the degree program, please check the individual admissions policy.
Applicants for the Master's program must have acquired the fundamental abilities and specialized knowledge and skills required in the undergraduate program. In their desired degree program, they must demonstrate an awareness of problems and challenges concerning themselves and society, based on their previous learning and experiences, and possess a deep curiosity and strong motivation to solve these problems. Furthermore, they must intend to utilize their abilities to contribute to society in their future research field or in a highly specialized profession.
In the doctoral program, applicants must have acquired the specialized knowledge, skills, and solid research achievements required in the master's program. Based on this, they must have the motivation to conduct independent and creative research activities as a researcher, or the willingness to pursue research with the rich academic knowledge and broad perspective necessary to engage in highly specialized research or professions.
Based on the founding principles of Obirin Gakuen, which are "based on Christian principles and to cultivate internationally-minded individuals with language skills," we cultivate individuals who aim to contribute to academia and society through specialization and practical experience, in accordance with the characteristics of each degree program. In the Master's and Doctoral (First Stage) programs, students acquire profound academic knowledge in their respective fields of specialization and are trained to possess the outstanding abilities necessary to undertake research in that field or to take on occupations that require a high level of expertise. In the Doctoral (Second Stage) program, students are trained to possess the research abilities and rich academic knowledge necessary to independently conduct research activities as researchers in their respective fields or to engage in other highly specialized work.
Desired Applicants
This graduate school, sharing the founding principles of Obirin Gakuen, leverages the advantages of its unique joint graduate school structure to seek individuals who can proactively engage in interdisciplinary research and multifaceted learning in order to acquire the multifaceted perspectives and knowledge necessary for the knowledge-based society of the future. Furthermore, we broadly seek individuals from all countries and regions who can actively engage in collaborative research and practical activities with people of different values across national and regional boundaries.
Skills you should acquire before enrollment and selection methods
Applicants are expected to possess the following skills and abilities upon enrollment. Selection will be conducted through a multifaceted admissions system that takes into account the characteristics of each degree program. Since evaluation points differ depending on the degree program, please check the individual admissions policy.
Applicants for the Master's program must have acquired the fundamental abilities and specialized knowledge and skills required in the undergraduate program. In their desired degree program, they must demonstrate an awareness of problems and challenges concerning themselves and society, based on their previous learning and experiences, and possess a deep curiosity and strong motivation to solve these problems. Furthermore, they must intend to utilize their abilities to contribute to society in their future research field or in a highly specialized profession.
In the doctoral program, applicants must have acquired the specialized knowledge, skills, and solid research achievements required in the master's program. Based on this, they must have the motivation to conduct independent and creative research activities as a researcher, or the willingness to pursue research with the rich academic knowledge and broad perspective necessary to engage in highly specialized research or professions.
Three policies for each degree program
Master's course
Degree Program in Language Education Practical Research (Japanese Teacher Training Graduate Program)
Degree Program in Practical Research in Psychology
Degree Program in Business Administration
Degree Program in Higher Education Administration Practice Research (Correspondence Education Course)
Degree Program in Gerontology