Develop independent investigative skills as a researcher and advanced practical skills as a specialist
The Faculty of Sociology & Social Work’s Department of Social Work has a history of more than 90 years, and the Major of Social Work, which was established as the Graduate School of Arts and Letters Major of Social Work, boasts traditions stretching back over 60 years. Since the start of the 21st century, the curriculum of the Major of Social Work has been revised to respond to wide-ranging needs in Japan’s social work sector. The master's degree program offers a variety of lecture classes that respond to the diverse needs of our students and are intended to develop solid research skills which will underpin their ability to respond to real-life social work issues. The doctoral degree program emphasizes the development of independent research skills and advanced specialized practical skills, and provides students with guidance for the writing of their doctoral dissertation. 13 universities with graduate schools offering master’s degree programs in social work in the Greater Tokyo Metropolitan area operate a credit transfer program that allows for the exchange of entrusted auditors and enables graduate students in the Major of Social Work to take classes at other graduate schools. In addition to training social work researchers in the master's and doctoral degree programs, we have established a recurrent education system that takes into consideration practical social work in the real world. We accept various practitioners as students, and aim for creative developments in research and in practice.
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Recurrent Education for Social Workers
Recurrent education refers primarily to the utilization of universities and other educational institutions by individuals who have completed their formal education. In 2008, both the master's and doctoral degree programs of the Major of Social Work introduced a recurrent education system for individuals currently employed as social workers. Systems in place to support students include special admissions procedures, and timetabling to enable them to study while actually working in the field as social workers.
1. Admissions
Individuals who have worked in the field for more than a specified number of years may be admitted to the program solely on the basis of a thesis and an interview.*
2. Timetabling
In order to facilitate class attendance by working students, the two required classes (Principles of Social Work and Theory of Social Work) are held in the 6th period (from 6:40 p.m.) All faculty members offer evening and Saturday classes on rotation.
3. Payment of two years' fees for three years of study (master's degree program)
If students have difficulty submitting a master's thesis in two years for work-related or other reasons, they may extend their enrollment for a 3rd year without a corresponding increase in fees.
*It is also possible for graduates of Meiji Gakuin University to apply for admission solely on the basis of an interview.
Scholarships
The Graduate School of Sociology offers scholarships to students in the Major of Sociology and Major of Social Work to support their research. Up to 10 students entering master's degree programs at the School are selected to receive Type 1 Scholarships of 250,000 yen each. Up to 15 students who are either in their second year of their master’s degree program or later or doctoral students in their first year or later are selected to receive Type 2 Scholarships of 150,000 yen each. Please contact the Graduate School Office for more information.