Master in Social Work

The history of Meiji Gakuin University's undergraduate Department of Social Work reaches back 90 years, while the Graduate Program in Social Work has a history of more than 50 years. In order to respond fully to Japan's social-work-related needs in the 21st century, the Graduate Program has revised its curriculum. The master's program offers a diverse range of lecture classes that match student interests and foster their ability to respond to contemporary social welfare issues. The doctoral program focuses on developing independent research ability and advanced practical skills through guidance in writing a doctoral dissertation. The program participates in a credit transfer system with 13 graduate schools in the Tokyo metropolitan area offering master's degrees in social work, enabling students to take classes at any of these schools. Both the master's and doctoral programs have systems supporting recurrent education and welcome non-traditional students.

Meiji Gakuin University traces its origins to the Hepburn School, which was established in the closing days of the Edo era. Over its history of more than 150 years, Meiji Gakuin University has supported the globalization of Japan by playing a pioneering role in education. The four years you spend as a college undergraduate will be the most special time in your life. What awaits you after your experiences among the 6 faculties and 16 departments of the university is your new self.

The newly released promotional movie focuses on students who are thinking about and applying what they can do today, in the “new kind of student life” premised on coronavirus prevention measures. The six students featured in the movie speak candidly about their student experience up to now and going forward, and describe what life at Meiji Gakuin University is like today. They go to campus, study, have lunch, talk with friends. Activities like these used to be perfectly ordinary, but now seem truly precious. That’s why, as a university entrusted with students’ day-to-day experience, we will continue to value the “ordinary” aspects of student life. Be sure to see the movie!

Meiji Gakuin University places a strong emphasis on international education and exchanges. Meiji Gakuin University provides many opportunities to develop links to the world, through its overseas study program, as a place to understand the world through its political, economic, and cultural background, and as a place to consider the issues of the day through interactions with persons of many different nationalities. To come to know the world, you must come to know Japan and come to know yourself. If you are not confident of your language ability, this is your opportunity to discover a new self by exchanging experiences with others.