Department of Social Work

Nurturing social welfare professionals for a new era with two courses directly linked to the student’s future

Contemporary society now faces a diverse range of growing social problems. For solutions to these problems, the role of social work is becoming more and more important. From the perspective of fundamental human rights and human dignity, we scientifically analyze the issues in people’s lives, and in order to resolve those issues, we seek out methods to support the individual and create a better society. Our aim is to be a department where the students themselves look warmly upon other people, are passionate about learning practical social welfare, and experience joy in their own personal growth.

Curriculum overview

First-year students study a common curriculum centered on liberal arts courses and basic seminars, and from the second year onward they separate into two courses: the Social Work Course and the Welfare Development Course. In the Social Work Course, students take a suitable selection of specialized courses while at the same time taking practical training courses in which they gain experience out in the field. In the Welfare Development Course, students do a wide range of fieldwork (including on-site research on social welfare in developed and developing countries) in the second year, and from the third year onward they deepen their specialized studies with lectures and practice exercises. In the third and fourth years, students in both courses take practical training courses and write a graduation thesis.

Students in the Social Work Course who are looking to become a Certified Social Worker or Certified Psychiatric Social Worker take the courses designated by law for those qualifications. In the Welfare Development Course, for students aiming to get jobs in corporations, systematic lectures are offered in three areas: social and community development, multicultural society, and social inclusion law and policy. Students who aspire to become teachers (special-needs school teacher, etc.) also study in this course.

Over the four years of study, we thoroughly implement small-class education with practical exercises and training. Using course modeling, we are able to provide a logical and phased education across the student’s undergraduate career. Many off-campus classes (on-site training, fieldwork, etc.) are offered, and students are able to deepen their specialized knowledge in fields of career and personal interest.