Master’s Program (Enrollment Capacity: 80)

Background & Establishment

The fundamental principle of the Keio University Graduate School of Business and Commerce is our founder’s “Spirit of Jitsugaku,” which we continue to embrace.  “Jitsugaku” is a way of learning about the worldview by Keio University’s founder Yukichi Fukuzawa through the application of reason, observation, and verification.  Jitsugaku is science in the truest sense of the word and a powerful tool in Keio University’s never-ending search for practical solutions to real-life problems. (See https://www.keio.ac.jp/en/about/ for further explanation of Jitsugaku.)

We approach research and training with this attitude. We endeavour to grasp the essence of our current global industrial society through theory, corroborative evidence and insight, and assess the trends of progress and change. “The Spirit of Jitsugaku” is a way of understanding the economic system, supported by an empirical approach that frees us from being trapped in convention and past values. It is a key to opening the windows to the future from the current reality of which we are a part of. It is a road sign that guides us in determining what our true values are.

Since its establishment in 1961 (Showa 36), the Graduate School of Business and Commerce has consistently designed its curriculum based on this fundamental principle in its education programs. We believe that acquiring superficial knowledge about systems is not enough. It is also important to be informed about what lies behind these systems and to understand the basic structural mechanisms that move society.

Objectives & Features

The systematic curriculum offers the student the opportunity to become grounded in fundamental subjects and become adept at their application. Seminars and guidance in writing the Master’s thesis are also included. In addition, professors from a variety of fields offer expertise in “Commercial Science,” “Management & Organization,” “Accounting,” “Finance & Securities,” “Insurance,” “Transport, Public Policy & Industrial Organization,” “Econometrics,” “International Economics,” “Industrial History & Business History” and “Industrial Relations.” This makes it possible for future researchers in our Master’s Program to have a well-rounded education from the fundamentals to applications, without being confined to their field of specialty. Students will be able to take courses in English and Japanese, ensuring that they will be prepared, should they choose to study overseas or participate in an international academic conference.

To complete this course, it is mandatory to submit a Master’s Thesis, on top of getting a good grounding in research. The results from the student’s research activities over the course of two years will be evaluated. In preparing the Master’s Thesis, the student will not only have to present the results from his/her research, but will also be expected to submit it in the correct format befitting an academic research paper.

Admission Capacity & How to Apply for Admission

The admission capacity for the Master’s Program is 80. To be admitted, a student can take the General Entrance Examinations or the AO Entrance Examinations whereby students who have fulfilled specific criteria may be admitted through submitting the appropriate documents and passing an interview.

The Degree, the Number of Credits Needed and Other Requirements

The degree you will earn in this course is the Master’s Degree in Commerce. A diploma indicating that you have completed this course will be issued. 32 credits are needed and you will need to submit a Master’s Thesis.

Joint Degree Program

Individuals who have a broad scope of knowledge, and have the ability to think flexibly and make decisions accurately are in demand today. To meet this demand, our Master’s Program implemented a joint degree program in 2010 (Heisei 22) with the Graduate School of Letters, the Graduate School of Economics and the Graduate School of Law. A Joint Degree refers to a system wherein it is possible to acquire multiple degrees within a fixed period. If you take advantage of this system, it is possible to receive two Master’s Degrees within a 2 – 3 year time period, i.e. Commerce and Letters, Commerce and Economics or Commerce and Law. This opens up new possibilities and widens the range for future career paths.
What makes it possible to obtain two degrees in the given time is the option that enables the student to earn credits efficiently. For example, it is possible to start acquiring a maximum of 12 credits for your second major when you start your Master’s Program. In addition, you are given the benefit of using up to 10 credits of your first Master’s Program toward your secondary Master’s degree.
Students wishing to enroll in the Joint Degree Program must take a separate examination in addition to the usual General Admissions Examination. This option is open to students who are enrolled in their first graduate course in their first or second year, and are due to complete their degree at the end of the academic year. If at this stage, a student wishes to enroll in the Joint Degree Program and attain a second degree, they should apply. However, please note that some majors in the Graduate School of Letters are not included in this program. For more details, please inquire at the Office of Student Services.

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