Department of Social Work
Department of Sociology
Department of Social Work
Learning about social work for a new era via two future-oriented courses
Social work plays an increasingly important role in solving the diversifying social issues of contemporary society. Based on an approach rooted in respect for fundamental human rights and dignity, students in the Department of Social Work learn to scientifically analyze issues related to people’s daily lives, support individuals in resolving them, and explore ways to build a better society. Our graduates are capable of multilateral efforts to create a society where everyone can live in safety.
Department of Social Work
Key Features of the Department of Social Work
Point 01
Education in a department proud of its history and traditions
Social work is an academic discipline that seeks the happiness and well-being of humankind and society. The study of social work is useful in any setting; it helps to enrich society and the people involved, as well as ourselves as individuals. Our Department boasts a long history and traditions, and has produced many researchers and practitioners throughout Japan, something we reflect in the education we currently offer.
Point 02
Specialized education in two courses
The Department of Social Work offers two courses: the Social-work Course and the Welfare Development Course. These provide specialized education and train social work experts. Students in the Social-work Course aim to obtain national licensure as a social worker or mental health worker and become a professional social worker. The Welfare Development Course produces human resources with a wide-ranging perspective who are capable of playing an active role in various settings in Japan and overseas. Students in this course can obtain teaching licensure for special-needs schools or general junior and senior high schools. Students select which of the two courses they will take once they have been admitted to the University.
Point 03
A wide range of experience-based classes held in small groups
From admission until graduation, our students can enroll in exercises where they study in small groups. We also offer a wide range of experience-based classes including fieldwork in Japan and overseas, practical training, and internships.
Point 04
Good employment prospects and a diversity of career paths
There are excellent employment prospects as many fields need human resources who understand diversity and are good communicators. Various career paths are open to our graduates, including public service, teaching, welfare and medical institutions, and general business.
Program Structure
From their first year, students learn how to interpret academic literature and make small-group presentations, and gain a deeper understanding of welfare by focusing on real-world social issues. In their second year, students choose between the Social-work Course and the Welfare Development Course, a choice which is directly linked with their future. In their third and fourth years, students engage more deeply in specialized studies through exercises and practical training, with an eye to their career path after graduation.
Topics
Internship
Students participate in internships at companies that proactively employ people with disabilities or NPOs and social enterprises that address social problems, after which they report on their research.They hone practical skills that will enable them to contribute to an inclusive society.
International Welfare Theory1, 2
International Welfare Theory 1 focuses on Europe, while International Welfare Theory 2 focuses on developing countries and foreigners living in Japan. In both courses, students learn about social work and multicultural societies to acquire “glocal” knowledge and perspectives.