About the Graduate School
- Vision
- Highlights of the Graduate School
- 3 policies
- Triple-layered groups of course
- Academic language courses
- Degree
Vision
The Graduate School offers a two-year master’s program designed to provide both education and academically grounded skills training. It is aimed at individuals who seek to explore contemporary issues at local, regional, and global levels in the context of increasing globalization.
One of our key objectives is to cultivate professionals with globally relevant expertise, specifically:
- The ability to understand and analyze international and regional dynamics affecting East Asia, including Russia, China, and South Korea.
- Advanced communicative competence in English.
Additionally, the Graduate School welcomes students regardless of their local or national backgrounds and is fully equipped to deliver the knowledge and skills necessary for those interested in our program.
Highlights of the Graduate School
1.Open the Door to a New Era in East Asia
Located in Niigata, a key commercial and industrial hub, we foster specialist knowledge and skills to prepare graduates for leading roles in both local and global societies.
2.Courses Offered in English and Japanese
To develop professionals with multilingual communication skills, we offer courses in both English and Japanese. Students can also complete all credit requirements by enrolling solely in English-taught courses.
3.Information Literacy
Understanding the dynamics of politics, economy, and society requires strong information literacy, including statistical data analysis. Our graduate school provides specialized courses to equip students with these essential skills.
4.Regional Development × International Studies
As a center of academic excellence, we aim to contribute to the local community. Our first mission is to cultivate highly competent individuals with broad perspectives, strong intellectual abilities, and leadership potential in emerging economic sectors. Our second mission is to address critical local challenges, including employment creation and sustainable development.
5.Area Studies Grounded in Sound Theories
Students will explore cutting-edge theories and approaches to international and regional affairs. Through primary source research and empirical data analysis, they will examine key political, economic, and societal issues in East Asia.
6.Academic Training by Distinguished Faculty
Our faculty members are highly respected for their academic and educational achievements. To ensure high standards of teaching and research, we provide students with in-depth, personalized guidance.
7.Flexible Curricular Programs
Our graduate school welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, including professionals and international students. To accommodate various needs, we offer flexible study options, such as evening classes and extended enrollment programs.
3 policies
Diploma Policy
Graduates will possess in-depth knowledge of the international community, with a particular focus on East Asian countries. They will develop strong policy analysis skills and English communication abilities, preparing them for specialized careers or further academic research.
Curriculum Policy
Our curriculum is designed to equip students with specialized knowledge and skills essential for advanced professional roles or academic pursuits. To accommodate working students, we offer a flexible study extension system.
To achieve the competencies outlined in the Diploma Policy, our interdisciplinary curriculum integrates three specialized streams along with academic foreign language courses:
- International Society Courses
Students will explore fundamental concepts and theories of international relations, gaining practical skills for analyzing policies and real-world challenges. - Regional International Relations Courses
This stream focuses on the interactions between individual countries, regional issues, and regional systems. Students will compare interstate relations in different regional contexts, fostering a deeper understanding of geopolitical dynamics. - Comparative Country Research Courses
Students will conduct detailed analyses of East Asian countries (Japan, Russia, China, and South Korea) in the areas of politics, economy, and society. - Academic Foreign Language Courses
Students will develop proficiency in academic English, enabling them to engage in discussions and write dissertations with confidence.
Admissions Policy
The Graduate School welcomes students from diverse backgrounds. Through various admission exams, we accept applicants who are interested in our program, regardless of their place of origin or nationality. Students are expected to align with our Diploma Policy and Curriculum Policy and should possess the following qualities and proactive attitudes:
- A strong academic foundation in a specialized field from their bachelor’s degree, along with a certain level of English proficiency.
- The ability to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and contribute to the university’s research community.
- A capacity for independent thinking, self-directed learning, and a flexible, global perspective.
Triple-Layered Groups of Course
The Graduate School offers three specialized course groups focusing on international society, international relations in East Asia, and the political economy of individual countries. Addressing challenges in a globalized world requires a broad perspective, in-depth knowledge, and an understanding of both regional international relations and national political economies. Unlike traditional graduate programs, our curriculum is designed to systematically study and integrate these multilayered fields.
Academic Language Courses
The Graduate School offers academic language courses focused on oral communication and professional writing. These courses aim to equip students with strong English communication skills, enabling them to actively engage in the global community.
Degree
- The Graduate School of International Studies and Regional Development confers the following degree:
- Master of Arts in International Studies and Regional Development