Objectives
The mission of our department is to cultivate individuals who can discover and solve issues in local communities, medical and welfare settings, and educational environments, thereby improving the quality of life (QOL) for all people and contributing to the realization of a diverse and inclusive society.
Regarding research, our focus is on three main pillars: basic psychology, clinical psychology, and sports psychology. We conduct interdisciplinary research that spans various fields such as comparative cognitive neuroscience, memory, reasoning, learning, cognitive dysfunction, role-playing, school counseling, psychological support for athletes, nature experience therapy, and motor learning, including related areas in medicine and welfare. Our goal is to explore new possibilities in psychology that aim for an integrated understanding of human beings.
In particular, we aim to become a leading research center in fields such as comparative cognitive neuroscience based on animal experiments to understand humans as a species, mental health care and welfare based on psychotherapy to support people, and the dynamical systems approach to understanding human behavior through sports.
Characteristics of the Curriculum
- Learn comprehensively from "Basic Psychology" to "Applied Psychology"
- Freely choose from a wide range of subjects based on your interests and future career paths
- Practical education that enables you to apply "Psychology" in various fields, including general business settings
Qualifications and Careers
Students can aim to obtain qualifications such as Certified Public Psychologist (national qualification), Certified Psychologist, and Social Welfare Secretary. Graduates have various options, including pursuing graduate studies, entering general companies, or becoming public servants. It is important to note that many psychology-related professions require the Certified Public Psychologist qualification. To obtain this qualification, graduates must complete designated courses in graduate school or have the prescribed practical experience. Therefore, students aiming for a career in clinical psychology are expected to pursue graduate studies, obtain the Certified Public Psychologist qualification, and then work as psychologists in fields such as healthcare, education, justice and correction, welfare, and industry.
Our department plans to establish a graduate school program in 2028 to train Certified Public Psychologists.
Diploma, Curriculum and Admission Policies (Department of Psychological Sciences)
| STEPS Abilities and attitudes of qualified QOL supporters |
Diploma Policy NUHW grants a bachelor's degree to the students who have acquired the following abilities and attributes. |
Curriculum Policy NUHW implements the curriculum as follows in order to help students develop into competent QOL supporters. |
Admission Policy NUHW seeks students who have the following abilities and attributes. |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | Science & Art Ability to utilize scientific knowledge and skills in academic discipline |
Graduates will be able to apply specialized knowledge and skills in psychology to understanding people and supporting mental and physical health. They will also be able to collect and organize information related to psychology and health independently and make decisions based on logical and critical thinking. | Based on the academic framework of psychology, the curriculum is systematically organized with subjects related to physical and mental health. The program includes foundational courses and specialized courses arranged according to the academic year, allowing students to progress from basic to applied and advanced subjects. In the second year, students take fundamental laboratory work in psychology, and in the third year, they take experimental methods in psychology to enhance their expertise through experiential learning. The results are evaluated based on the performance in psychology-related subjects specified by the Certified Psychologist qualification regulations. | Ability to Utilize Scientific Knowledge and Techniques Possess basic academic skills in subjects such as English and Japanese at a high school graduate level, which are tested in the entrance examination. |
| T | Teamwork & Leadership Ability to work together as a team and to show leadership qualities |
Graduates will be able to communicate effectively with diverse people and collaborate with them. They will be able to fulfill roles as members of organizations, local communities, or international society. They will tackle problem-solving with smooth communication skills, proactive leadership, and the ability to take action. | To foster students' proactive and active learning, teamwork, and communication skills, foundational seminar courses are required in the second year as part of the Health, Medical, and Welfare Cooperation curriculum. Additionally, introductory courses in team approaches, interdisciplinary studies in health, medical, and welfare cooperation, and regional cooperation studies are mandatory for students in the first to third years. From the third year, practical and seminar courses (internship, seminar in psychology, and seminar on psychological sciences I & II) are included in the specialized curriculum to enhance smooth communication skills, proactive leadership, and action capabilities. The results are evaluated based on performance in seminar on psychological sciences and internship practices. | Have an attitude of actively communicating and cooperating with others. |
| E | Empowerment Ability to support clients by giving them powers to promote QOL |
Graduates will respect diversity and individuality based on rich humanity and ethical values. They will be able to use this respect for diversity and individuality in supporting others and contribute to the harmonious development and well-being of humanity and society. | To cultivate the ethical standards appropriate for psychology professionals and respect for diversity and individuality, the curriculum includes foundational liberal arts courses and specialized basic courses such as philosophy, ethics, gender studies, science studies, information science, and research methods in psychology starting from the first year. From the third year, seminar courses (seminar on psychological sciences I & II) and practical courses (internship, practice in Certified Public Psychologist I & II) are included to help students respect diversity and develop the ability to support others. The results are evaluated based on performance in experimental methods in psychology, practice in Certified Public Psychologist, and internship. | Respect the values of others and have a willingness to support them. |
| P | Problem-solving Ability to find ways of solving problems and propose better solutions |
Graduates will have an interest in issues related to psychology and mental and physical health. They will be able to link theory and practice to address human and societal problems, discover issues independently, and understand how to solve them. | To provide opportunities to engage with diverse issues in the community, the curriculum includes liberal arts courses in health, medical, and welfare education, philosophy, ethics, gender studies, and other broad subjects in the first year. From the third year, seminar courses (seminar on psychological sciences I & II) and practical courses (internship, practice in Certified Public Psychologist I & II) are included to help students develop problem-solving skills by linking theory and practice. In the fourth year, students conduct graduation thesis A & B utilizing their insightful understanding. The results are evaluated based on the performance in graduation research. | Have the motivation to address and solve issues related to human psychology and physical and mental health. |
| S | Self-actualization or Self-realization(actualization) Attitude towards the fulfillment of his/her potential |
Graduates will constantly be interested in changes in humanity and society, maintain a desire for continuous learning, and have the motivation to contribute to the peace of humanity and society by utilizing their expertise in psychology and mental and physical health. | To develop a broad perspective and an autonomous learning attitude, seminar activities are conducted starting from the first year. From the second year, specialized basic courses and specialized major courses in psychology and physical and mental health are included. From the third year, seminar courses (seminar on psychological sciences I & II) and practical courses (internship, seminar in psychology) are included, and in the fourth year, graduation thesis A & B are conducted to cultivate the ability to contribute to society based on their interests and expertise. The results are evaluated based on the employment rate. | Have a strong interest in human psychology and physical and mental health, and the desire to contribute to society by utilizing specialized knowledge. |
| Remarks | Refer to University Regulations, Article 1 | Refer to School Manual(Gakusei Binran) | Refer to Guidelines for Applicants(GakuseiBoshu Yohko) | |
| Degree to be awarded | Bachelor of Social Work | |||
Notes: "STEPS" is an acronym formed from the words, which represent "the five requirements" for qualified QOL supporters.
NUHW stands for Niigata University of Health and Welfare.
