Master’s Program for Health and Environmental Sciences
Natural Science Subjects
While offering an understanding of the various phenomena in the natural environment generated by the interplay between human activity and nature, the MA Program in Natural Sciences and Environment provides teaching and research that equip students with the ability to evaluate the environmental challenges in nature and society; find explanations for the material science and life science phenomena necessary to undertake that evaluation; and develop the necessary skills to devise technical solutions to address those environmental challenges. In this program students will
- (1) acquire the knowledge and skills to examine and evaluate environmental problems in the natural world;
- (2) understand the characteristics of chemical substances in the environment and how they can cause environmental problems, and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to help address those problems; and
- (3) gain the necessary knowledge and skills to analyze and assess the impact of environmental changes caused by human activities and other factors on the structure and functions of living organisms and the ecosystem.
Environmental Management Subjects
With the goal of promoting sustainable lifestyles and social conditions, the MA Program in Environmental Management introduces students to various challenges of the social environment in which humans live. As well as developing an understanding of the interplay between people and their social environment, the program provides teaching and research that prepare students with the necessary knowledge and skills to design pleasant, efficient living and social conditions for humans while maintaining harmony with the natural world. In this program students will
- (1) understand the interplay between lifestyles and social and natural environments in different regions and countries, and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to evaluate and identify solutions to the problems of the living environment;
- (2) understand the problems of the social environment in communities and cities, and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for social design involving such factors as space and energy aimed at creating an environmentally-sustainable society; and
- (3) understand and evaluate the problems of the human environment from the perspectives of statistics, policy science, and economics, and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to develop social and environmental policy proposals for an environmentally-friendly society.
Nutrition and Health Science Subjects
With the goal of preventing and managing life-style diseases and creating a dietary environment that promotes healthy living, the MA Program in Nutritional and Health Sciences provides students with the basic and practical knowledge and skills essential for addressing the various food and health challenges resulting from the growing diversification of lifestyles, and for building a social environment that helps maintain human health. In this program students will
- (1) understand the various health issues related to poor diets, such as illnesses caused by nutritional deficiency or overnutrition and the increasing risks of lifestyle-related diseases, from the perspectives of nutritional and health sciences, and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to address those problems;
- (2) acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to assess and identify solutions to today’s food-related challenges based on the understanding that food safety and security are a crucial priority for maintaining human health;
- (3) acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to assess and develop responses to the impact of changes in the natural or social environment on human health;
- (4) understand from an international perspective the current state of environmental contamination, which impacts the food production environment, and the challenges facing food systems outside Japan, and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to address those challenges; and
- (5) undergo advanced professional training for holders of the Registered Dietitians license, such as clinical nutritionist training.
Admission Policy
Each MA program has its own admission policy as stated below.
Natural Science Subjects
Health and environmental sciences are an interdisciplinary field focusing on the scientific study of the environment in which humans live. This program teaches and researches the complex and diverse phenomena related to this subject, with the aim of developing the next generation of experts in this field. Students are given the opportunity to explore theories and conduct experiments from the perspectives of material and life sciences on topics relating to structures and processes of the natural world, including molecules, cells, and organisms, the energies binding these structures, and material recycling.
The program seeks students with an especially keen interest in the field of natural science, an ambition for self-improvement, and strong intellectual curiosity and creativity.
Environmental Management Subjects
This program explains the physiological, psychological, and behavioral characteristics of people in relation to their living environments and considers the interplay between humans and the environment. Specifically, students are given the opportunity to
(a) plan and design cities and homes,
(b) analyze human psychology, physiology, and behavior and design living spaces based on the findings,
(c) evaluate and design urban spaces in line with universal design approach, and
(d) collect and analyze data regarding the impact of environmental changes on human behavior.
The main focus of these activities is to develop a scientific and engineering understanding of the concept of the boundary areas between humans and the environment from the perspectives of humans and the environment, and to produce specific recommendations to improve the boundary areas for the betterment of daily life.
The program seeks students with a strong academic background, especially in natural science subjects that provide the foundation for its studies, a keen interest in the real-world issues relating to living environments and humans, and motivation to share research findings for the benefit of society by developing concrete design proposals.
Nutrition and Health Science Subjects
This program covers topics related to food and health, with the scope ranging from basic research to applied development to clinical practices. Students will acquire the skills to analyze and devise solutions to such challenges as promoting healthy eating habits, preventing lifestyle-related diseases by identifying their causes, and confronting food safety issues. The program develops highly-skilled food and nutrition professionals, such as clinical dietitians, research and development practitioners at food companies, and academics working for educational institutions. Students are expected to have motivation and drive to undertake experiments, surveys and other research activities.
The program welcomes applications from students with an especially keen interest in the relationship between food and health and the study of this topic, and the willingness to share with the public the studies aimed at finding the causes and solutions to problems and the outcomes of such studies for the benefit of society.
＜Standard criteria for admission＞
?Self-recommendation admission
Admission is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant’s interview performance and application materials. The interview assesses the applicant’s passion for research in their chosen field; the validity of their research proposal; and academic aptitude and skills, communication skills, and articulateness required to undertake research in their chosen field.
?General admission, admission of working adults, international exchange student admission
Admission is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant’s written examination scores (specialized subject(s) and English language proficiency), interview performance, and application materials. The written examinations assess the applicant’s requisite specialized knowledge in their chosen field, critical thinking skills, and language skills and articulateness essential for conducting research. The interview assesses the applicant’s passion for research in their chosen field; the validity of their research proposal; and academic aptitude and skills, communication skills, and articulateness required to undertake research in their chosen field.
Qualifications and licenses for graduates
Teacher’s License
Students who complete the coursework for the MA programs in Natural Sciences and Environment or Nutritional and Health Sciences with the requisite credits qualify for the following teacher’s certificates:
| Specializations: | Types of licenses | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Science Subjects | Junior High School Specialized Teacher’s License High School Specialized Teacher’s License |
Science |
| Nutrition and Health Science Subjects | Specialized Teacher’s License in Diet and Nutrition |
