Graduate School of EconomicsWaseda University

The origin of the School of Political Science and Economics, which is the parent body of the Graduate School of Economics, goes back to the Department of Political Science and Economics, established when Waseda University was founded as the Tokyo Senmon Gakko (College) in 1882. The present-day Graduate School of Economics was inaugurated as a new graduate school in 1951 under a new education system that subsumed the graduate schools of the old education system. The graduate school offers two courses: the Economics Course and the Global Political Economy Course. The mission of the Graduate School of Economics is to contribute to society, not only by engaging and aiding in research that contributes to the development of the frontiers of economics, which is constantly making advances, but also by cultivating human resources in tune with the expansion of learning.

The Graduate School of Economics has two significant goals: to train researchers and to create highly skilled professionals. We have continuously improved the program by introducing research supervision by multiple faculty members in addition to individual supervision and giving incentives to report at academic conferences and related events. As a result, the number of students obtaining a doctoral degree in the study of economics has dramatically increased in recent years, and the School has achieved excellent results in its efforts to train researchers. An English-based degree program, along with a September-admission system, have been introduced, which makes it possible for students to obtain a degree entirely in English on a schedule that is convenient to them. In addition to that, a five-year Doctoral Program was established so that more intensive coursework could be provided. This allows students to benefit from consistent research guidance throughout the master’s program and the Doctoral program.

Furthermore, a program for highly skilled professionals—the “Empirical Analysis Program (EAP)”—which offers a curriculum focused on empirical research and data analysis, was established in 2015. This program aims to create experts in quantitative analysis who can respond to a wide variety of social needs.

Waseda University’s Graduate School of Economics continues to make reforms wherever necessary, aiming to provide educational opportunities that meet a far-ranging set of social needs and to enhance the achievement of research results that conform to global standards. We will continue to cultivate those who wish to play an active role on the world’s economic stage as economic researchers and skilled professionals with a deep knowledge of and cutting-edge techniques in economics.

In accordance with the university’s policy of fostering human resources who possess “intellectual resilience” and “flexible sensitivity,” and can contribute to making the society and the world a better place, the Graduate School of Economics confers degrees on those who obtain a wide range of basic knowledge and methodology in economics (Master’s Program), acquire in-depth expertise and analytical methods in economics and/or econometrics at a level that enables them to write a doctoral dissertation with high academic value that is recognized both domestically and internationally (Doctoral Program), develop research skills expected of independent researchers or superior techniques demanded of highly skilled professionals, and are capable of contributing to society using their research skills and techniques while collaborating with diverse people. Especially, in the process of assessment of a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation, one particularly important criterion is whether the student can conduct research with the strictest ethics and greatest responsibility. The completion requirements for each course are clearly stated in the “Curriculum Policy”.

The aim of the Master’s Program in Economics Course is to provide students with specialized knowledge in economic theory and econometrics for those who specialize in economics and in economic history for those who specialize in economic history, proficiency in empirical analysis, the ability to apply their specialized knowledge and conduct economic analysis at a level that can meet the needs of further education and employers, the ability to write a master’s thesis that is logically consistent in one’s own field of study, and a development of an attitude to solve economy-related problems through academic exchange and collaboration with diverse people.

The aim of the Master’s Program in Global Political Economy Course is to provide students with specialized knowledge in economic theory, econometrics and the field of political science, proficiency in empirical analysis, the ability to apply their specialized knowledge and conduct economic and political analysis at a level that can meet the needs of further education and employers, the ability to write a master’s thesis that is logically consistent in one’s own field of study, and a development of an attitude to solve global political economy-related problems through academic exchange and collaboration with diverse people.

The aim of the Doctoral Program in Economics Course is to provide students with specialized knowledge and analytical methods in economic theory and/or econometrics for those who specialize in economics and in economic history for those who specialize in economic history at a level that allows them to discuss on equal footing within expert groups, the ability to apply their in-depth specialized knowledge and conduct economic analysis at a level that can contribute to creating new value in society, the ability to write a doctoral dissertation with high academic value in one’s own field of study that can be recognized domestically and internationally, and a development of an attitude not only to solve economy-related problems but also to provide feedback into society at large, through academic exchange and collaboration with diverse people.

The aim of the Doctoral Program in Global Political Economy Course is to provide students with in-depth specialized knowledge and analytical methods in economic theory and/or econometrics, and the field of political science at a level that allows them to discuss on equal footing within expert groups, the ability to apply their in-depth specialized knowledge and conduct economic and political analysis at a level that can contribute to creating new value in society, the ability to write a doctoral dissertation with high academic value in one’s own field of study that can be recognized domestically and internationally, and a development of an attitude of not only to solve global political economy-related problems but also to provide feedback into society at large, through academic exchange and collaboration with diverse people.

1. Master’s Program
　(1) Economics Course

　(2) Global Political Economy Course

2. Doctoral Program
(1) Economics Course

　(2) Global Political Economy Course

In order to analyze economic and social issues accurately, and propose appropriate solutions, the Graduate School of Economics’ curriculum, which is based upon the philosophy that considers rigorous thought supported by economic theory as indispensable, advances from basic theory to application and specialization. Basically, through the study of microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics and econometrics, and economic history, students will　obtain a wide range of basic knowledge and methodology in economics. This will enable them to develop into independent researchers and highly skilled professionals. In both the master’s and doctoral programs, lectures and research guidance are available to both Japanese and non-Japanese speakers without discrimination. Students are expected to acquire specialized knowledge and techniques in an environment that is always open to diversity.

In the Master’s Program in Economics Course, students are required to be enrolled for a period of 2 years or more and take microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics and econometrics, and economic history as compulsory courses. Students will put their expertise to practical use through research guidance (taking research guidance conducted by supervisor is required) and write a master’s thesis based on that.
In accordance with their research topics and future plans, students will also acquire relevant knowledge through courses, such as common basic courses, optional courses, and courses offered by other graduate schools and other universities. Furthermore, the Economics Course is divided into two specializations, “Specialization in Economics” and “Specialization in Economic History” to accommodate the diverse research needs of students. In this course, students are required to earn at least 32 credits that counted toward their completion requirements. As the main learning outcomes, in the first year of the master’s program, students should be able to acquire specialized knowledge in economic theory and econometrics for those who specialize in economics and in economic history for those who specialize in economic history based on substantial compulsory courses and coursework, and to become proficient in empirical analysis. By the end of the second year of the master’s program, students are expected to acquire, through research guidance, the ability to apply their specialized knowledge and conduct economic analysis at a level that can meet the needs of further education and employers, the ability to write a master’s thesis that is logically consistent in their own field of study, and a development of an attitude to solve problems through academic exchange and collaboration with diverse people, such as discussions with people from various backgrounds.

In the Master’s Program in Global Political Economy Course, students are required to be enrolled for a period of 2 years or more and take research methods in political science, microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics and econometrics as compulsory courses. In addition, students can deepen their research by taking courses, such as common basic courses, core courses, and optional courses. Furthermore, research guidance will be provided by multiple faculty members affiliated with the Graduate Schools of Political Science and the Graduate Schools of Economics. The course’s curriculum is designed to foster students’ ability to analyze and comprehend the inseparable fields of political science and economics from an international perspective, and the ability to examine and envision viable policies from a normative perspective. In this course, students are required to earn at least 32 credits that counted toward their completion requirements. As for the main learning outcomes, in the first year of the master’s program, students should be able to acquire specialized knowledge in economic theory, econometrics and political science based on substantial compulsory courses and coursework, and to become proficient in empirical analysis. By the end of the second year of the master’s program, students are expected to acquire the ability to apply their specialized knowledge and conduct economic and political analysis at a level that can meet the needs of further education and employers, the ability to write a master’s thesis that is logically consistent in their own field of study, and a development of an attitude to solve problems through academic exchange and collaboration with diverse people, such as discussions with people from various backgrounds.

The Doctoral Program in Economics Course, as the Master’s Program in Economics Course, has two specializations. The Doctoral Program’s close collaboration with the Master’s Program is designed, and its research guidance system is established to correspond to the diversity, interdisciplinarity and deepening of research. The supervisor and subadvisor system lies at the core of education in the Doctoral Program. Under this system, students in the first year of the Doctoral Program will write a research progress report, submit it to the Graduate School with their supervisor’s approval, and conduct advanced specialized research on their respective topics. Students in the second year will again submit a research progress report to the Graduate School in the same manner, as well as conducting advanced specialized research on their respective topics. Students in the third year will further conduct advanced specialized research on their respective topics and write a doctoral dissertation. As for the main learning outcomes, students should generally be enrolled for at least 3 years and with the third year as a benchmark, they should be able to acquire in-depth specialized knowledge and analytical methods in economic theory and/or econometrics for those who specialize in economics and in economic history for those who specialize in economic history at a level that allows them to discuss on equal footing within expert groups, the ability to apply their in-depth specialized knowledge and conduct economic analysis at a level that can contribute to creating new value in society, and the ability to write a doctoral dissertation with high academic value in their own field of study that can be recognized domestically and internationally. Furthermore, they are expected to develop an attitude not only to solve problems but also to provide feedback into society at large, through academic exchange and collaboration with diverse people, such as regular research meetings, discussions, and conference presentations with people from various backgrounds. Specifically, the doctoral dissertation should consist of at least three papers published in a peer-reviewed journal, in order to prove that students meet the minimum standard of the dissertation writing skills required by the Graduate School of Economics. Eventually, the doctoral degree will be conferred on those who wrote the doctoral dissertation and passed the dissertation reviews.

The Doctoral Program in Global Political Economy Course’s close collaboration with the Master’s Program and the field of political science is designed, and its research guidance system is established to correspond to the diversity, interdisciplinarity and deepening of research. The supervisor and subadvisor system lies at the core of education in the Doctoral Program. Under this system, students in the first year of the Doctoral Program will write a research progress report, submit it to the Graduate School with their supervisor’s approval, and conduct advanced specialized research on their respective topics. Students in the second year will again submit a research progress report to the Graduate School in the same manner, as well as continuing advanced specialized research on their respective topics. Students in the third year will further conduct advanced specialized research on their respective topics and write a doctoral dissertation. As for the main learning outcomes, students should generally be enrolled in the Graduate School for at least 3 years and with the third year as a benchmark, they should be able to acquire in-depth specialized knowledge and analytical methods in economic theory and/or econometrics, and the field of political science at a level that allows them to discuss on equal footing within expert groups, the ability to apply their in-depth specialized knowledge and conduct economic and political analysis at a level that can contribute to creating new value in society, and the ability to write a doctoral dissertation with high academic value in their own field of study that can be recognized domestically and internationally. Furthermore, they are expected to develop an attitude not only to solve problems but also to provide feedback into society at large, through academic exchange and collaboration with diverse people, such as regular research meetings, discussions, and conference presentations with people from various backgrounds. Specifically, the doctoral dissertation should consist of at least three papers published in a peer-reviewed journal, in order to prove that students meet the minimum standard of the dissertation writing skills required by the Graduate School of Economics. Eventually, the doctoral degree will be conferred on those who wrote the doctoral dissertation and passed the dissertation reviews.

The Graduate School of Economics conducts entrance examinations based on the principle of selecting students who possess not only an interest in political, economic, and social issues in the real world and their historical developments, but also a commitment to the theoretical elucidation of these issues.

The Master’s Program in Economics Course emphasizes the cultivation of persons with capacity for logical thinking who can solve problems with mathematical and statistical analysis methods together with people from various backgrounds. Politics and economics are intricately intertwined in many of today’s social issues, and the fundamental solutions to them cannot be proposed without collaboration between political science and economics. The Master’s Program in Global Political Economy Course emphasizes the cultivation of students who possess specialized knowledge about the interlinked fields of political science and economics, which pertains to governments, international organizations, international relations and economic relations between nations, and who can extensively utilize their knowledge of economics and political science to provide logical explanations and solutions for existing problems in these fields together with people from various backgrounds.
To determine whether a student is suitable for their desired course, their language score reports, Educational Background Form, statement of purpose, and transcripts from undergraduate school and the like, will be examined by several faculty members, with their academic level being determined through a “three-level assessment.” If needed, an oral examination by several faculty members will be conducted, with their essential knowledge of economics and language skills being determined through a “five-level assessment.” Eventually, the Graduate School Steering Committee will make the final decision on whether to admit the applicant. As there is no difference in the essential knowledge required at the time of admission between the Economics Course and Global Political Economy Course, the entrance examination format is the same for both courses. The knowledge and skills required for each course can be obtained by digesting the curriculum after admission.

The Doctoral Program in Economics Course emphasizes cultivating researchers who can make international academic contributions in economic theory and/or econometrics, and the Doctoral Program in Global Political Economy Course emphasizes cultivating researchers who can make international academic contributions in the field of political science in addition. Therefore, particular emphasis is placed on the fundamental academic skills necessary to write a dissertation in a specialized field, as well as intellectual curiosity, inquisitiveness, and persistence necessary to discover a research topic and write a dissertation. The fundamental academic skills include logical thinking, mathematical and statistical thinking, and language skills.
To determine whether applicants for the doctoral programs have the aforementioned skills, each applicant’s language score reports, master’s thesis, research plan, and so forth will be reviewed by several faculty members, with their learning history and academic level being determined through a raw score assessment with a maximum score of 100 points. For those who pass the first round, an oral examination by several faculty members will be conducted, with their language skills and specialized knowledge being determined through a two-level assessment. Eventually, the Graduate School Steering Committee will make the final decision on whether to admit the applicant.