1. Objectives of Disability Sciences Programs
Master’s Program
This program aims to create individuals who can acquire theories of Disability Sciences systemically and who can gain variety of skills to support persons with disabilities as professionals in the area of education and/or welfare. This program also aims to create individuals who will continue on to the doctoral program to become a researcher in the area of Disability Studies.
Doctoral Program
This program aims to create researchers who can work on advanced research based on realistic or fundamental issues relating to disabilities, and educators who can provide leading education in the area of Disability Sciences. This program also aims to create advanced professionals relating to Disability Sciences who possess research abilities, problem-solving skills, and skills to support persons with disabilities.
2. Prospective Students
Master’s Program
We look for individuals who are highly interested in advanced research, education, welfare, clinical practice, administration, international cooperation, and advanced professionals in the area of Disability Sciences.
Doctoral Program
We look for individuals with knowledge and basic research abilities in the area of Disability Sciences, and individuals who are interested in working as an advanced professional who contributes to the practice of advanced research, education, welfare, clinical practice, administration, and international cooperation.
3. Curriculum
Master’s Program
The curriculum of master’s program is comprised of five specialized courses related to each disability (Study of visual impairment, hearing impairment, intellectual/ developmental/behavioral disability, physical disability /health impairment, speech-language impairment). These courses combine education, psychology, pathophysiology, and intersectional courses covering issues involving various disabilities. In addition, we have set up a number of classes that focus on comprehensive lectures, practices, or practical training across the fields covered by the various courses. It is also possible to receive the qualifications to take examinations for school psychologist or clinical developmental psychologist, or to qualify for a teaching license for special needs schools. Students can obtain master’s degree in Disability Sciences upon graduation.
Doctoral Program
The curriculum of doctoral program mainly consists of courses for writing doctoral dissertation. In this curriculum, students will choose courses that relate to the theme of doctoral dissertation (e.g. “Research in Visual Impairment Studies”), and receive instruction from multiple professors. In this program, not only students can receive instruction from professors, but they can exchange ideas about research amongst each other. From these experiences, students can enhance their research abilities and they can be involved in the creation of the latest knowledge in this field. Students can earn doctoral degree in Disability Sciences. By graduating this program, students will have more opportunities to contribute to society as leading researchers or advanced professionals.