Message from the Dean

Addressing Humanity and Human Society Issues

History of the Graduate School of Human and Socio-Environmental Studies

As we progress into the 21st century, now approaching its first quarter mark, the world has grown more affluent than ever. While many enjoy this wealth, we also face new and complex challenges.

Global warming, as one prominent example, highlights our growing awareness of the Earth’s finite resources and the urgent need to consider environmental issues on a global scale.

Human-created environments—our societies—are also plagued with numerous problems. To understand and solve these issues, we must broaden our perspectives, examining them not only through economic, political, legal, and institutional lenses, but also at the levels of individuals, families, communities, municipalities, nations, and the global society.

In addition to natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, heavy rains, and droughts, we are confronted with man-made disasters: nuclear accidents, environmental pollution, recurring incidents and accidents, war and conflict, hunger and poverty, injustice and discrimination. These challenges require urgent and multifaceted responses.

But these are not the only concerns we face.

Throughout history, human beings have examined their own nature and developed cultures through their relationships with others. Even today—despite advances in science and technology—questions about human relationships, mental health, values, and the meaning of life remain unresolved.

Beyond solving societal issues, it is vital to also revisit and reconsider the challenges that arise within and among people in contemporary society.

To do this, we must engage deeply with the humanities, human sciences, and social sciences, and when necessary, apply cutting-edge technology and current information. We should also pursue interdisciplinary collaboration with fields such as natural sciences, engineering, and medicine, embracing a free and integrative perspective.

The Graduate School of Human and Socio-Environmental Studies at Kanazawa University was established in April 2006. It was formed by merging three existing master’s programs (the Graduate School of Literature, the Graduate School of Law, and the Graduate School of Economics) into a unified master’s program, and by designating the former Graduate School of Social and Environmental Sciences (established in April 1993) as the doctoral program.

This graduate school is a new kind of academic institution, one that aims to tackle modern challenges and contribute to the resolution of pressing human and societal issues.

It is my sincere hope that students will boldly confront these human and social challenges, and achieve meaningful academic insights and discoveries.

Four Majors Leading to Bachelor’s Education－Master’s Course－

The master’s program offers four division of humanities, economics, regional development studies, and international studies.
These programs are designed to further the education provided in the six undergraduate departments in the College of Human and Social Sciences: Humanities, Economics, Regional Development Studies, and International Studies.
In addition, the Educational Support Development Course established in the Regional Development Studies Major is closely linked to the School of Teacher Education in the Bachelor’s program.
The degrees that can be obtained include a Master of Arts, Economics, Business Administration, Regional Development studies, International Studies, and Philosophy.
Division of Economics and Division of Regional Development Studies also have a short-term (1-year) enrollment-type system that allows students to obtain their degree in one year while continuing to work.
In addition to continuing on to the doctoral program upon completion of the course, we also see students gain employment as civil servants and in general companies every year.

Professional and interdisciplinary research－Doctoral Course－

The doctoral program is offered under the Department of Human and Socio-Environmental Studies and comprises three main areas of study: Humanities, Law and Politics, and Economics and Social Studies.

These areas serve as the foundation for doctoral dissertations and provide research supervision tailored to a wide range of academic fields and themes within the broad domain of human and socio-environmental studies.

The program aims to cultivate experts engaged in research and education at universities, national and public research institutes, and private think tanks. It also seeks to develop “highly skilled professionals” equipped with advanced knowledge and research capabilities for roles in government, organizations, and local communities.

In addition to students advancing from a Master’s program, the doctoral program attracts a diverse student body, including working professionals such as civil servants, corporate employees, and a growing number of international students.

Degrees awarded include:

Ph.D. (Socio-Environmental Studies)

Ph.D. (Literature)

Ph.D. (Law)

Ph.D. (Politics)

Ph.D. (Economics)

Ph.D. (Philosophy)

Graduates pursue a variety of career paths, including positions in research and academia, public service, and the private sector.