Department of Social Work

Department of Social Work

• Features of the Department of Social Work
• Flow of the Four-Year Program

Features of the Department of Social Work

The advantage of learning about social work through a four-year university course is being able to investigate how to provide support in diverse ways and then put the knowledge gained into practice, giving consideration to what kinds of social work are required in a given social system.

Envision the future self through stepwise learning in small classes where close contact with faculty members is promoted

In their first year, students learn the foundations of social work, widen their understanding, and compare multiple career paths with their interests, through lectures given by professionals who work in the fields of social work practice, NPOs or the international cooperation sector. From their second year and on, students learn in one of two courses that are directly related to their future.

A full range of hands-on classes, such as field work and field practicum

Students develop their practical skills by becoming acquainted with the practice of social work at a number of places in Japan and abroad.

Flow of the Four-Year Program

First year: Small group education starting from the first year

In the spring semester of their first year, students take “Academic Literacy,” where they learn techniques to read literature and present to others. In the fall semester, students take the “Foundation Seminar,” where they focus on actual social issues to deepen their understanding on social work.

Second year: Select one of two courses that are directly related to students’ future

“Social Work Course”

Students take “Basic Field Practicum,” where they can experience practicing of social work in real life. In their second year, students gain an understanding of the fields that suit their interests, and in their third and fourth years, they engage in specialized seminars and field practicum in their chosen path.

“Welfare Development Course”

In their second year, the Department offers “Welfare Development Fieldwork.”
Global collaboration area: Students observe welfare issues overseas (Europe and Asia) and efforts being taken to address them.
Community building area: Students survey depopulating communities, etc., in Japan.
Social innovation area: Students visit NPOs and NGOs, etc., to gain an understanding of how they operate.

Third and fourth years: Deepen specialized learning by putting it into practice

Each student engages in the study of more specialized subject matters through seminars and field practicum, with an eye to their field of interest and future career path.

“Social Work Course”

Students engage in specialized field practicum, as well as seminars that support their learning in the practicum by encouraging them to report on their experience and conduct case studies. The students also complete their graduation thesis.

“Welfare Development Course”

Students conduct exclusive research and projects. Students learn from each other at seminars and complete their graduation thesis.

Paths after Graduation

Approximately 30% of graduates go on to work in a broad range of social work sector careers, including social welfare institutions, such as those for older adults, people with disability, children, Social Welfare Councils in local areas, administrative institutions, such as welfare offices and child guidance centers, in addition to consultation and support departments at hospitals. Also, the number of departments relevant to social welfare is increasing in all industries, including finance and insurance, so the number of graduates working in a wide range of private enterprises, including welfare companies, is also increasing. In addition, there are graduates who engage in public service, work at NPOs, become teachers (including teachers at schools for special needs education), and continue into post-graduate study.

Ratio of candidates for employment by industry (Fiscal 2014-2016)