Graduate School
Graduate School of Law
Since its establishment in 1995, the Graduate School of Law has aimed to develop individuals who can play leading roles in society as specialists through the acquisition of advanced knowledge and skills in specialized fields.
In order for students to thoroughly explore research themes and acquire a better understanding, curricula associated with those themes need to be offered. Because we consider that an approach based on a comprehensive viewpoint is also important, the Department offers a wide range of courses (e.g. subjects related to public law, civil law, politics and international relations).
Furthermore, well-planned Master's thesis guidance is provided to each student from the first year. During the second year, more detailed guidance is provided through a summer seminar (August), a mid-term report (October) and presentation of a Master's thesis (February). In addition to these events, special lectures are given by external specialists approximately seven times a year. These are especially useful in research and education for thesis writing. A credit transfer system with the Graduate School of Regional Management is available to add options to the curriculum.
Students taking a certified tax accountant exam qualify for exemption from some subjects if they meet the prescribed requirements. In 2007, a CFP certification education program was implemented and has since been improved. It is also possible for students to acquire certificates to become advanced class teachers at junior and senior high schools. An entrance examination system for mature students and a long-term course system have been established, and some nighttime and weekend courses are offered on the downtown campus in the center of Sapporo.
Graduate School of Clinical Psychology
The Graduate School of Clinical Psychology is committed to developing clinical psychologists who are specialized in mental care with advanced knowledge and practical skills. This is made possible by providing an excellent educational environment with the highest level of instruction in Hokkaido and a well-developed educational program. In addition, the course offers teaching practice in the Psychological Clinical Center which provides hands-on experience with real psychological problems. Dedicated staff who are certified as clinical psychologists account for 70 percent of the teaching body in the Graduate School of Clinical Psychology. We can therefore offer a variety of specialized subjects which cover diverse aspects of modern clinical psychology. These, in turn, enable students to broadly identify the causes of mental problems through the study of a distinctive group of topics.
As we are certified by the Japanese Certification Board for Clinical Psychologist as a first-category designated graduate school, students qualify for the clinical psychologist qualification exam on graduation from the school. The curricula focus on practical aspects, and offer Clinical Psychology Basic Learning as well as the more advanced Clinical Psychology Training A and Clinical Psychology Training B. Students are also given opportunities to improve their skills by actually being involved in mental consultations at the Clinical Psychology Center (an on-campus counseling facility) as well as actively participating in clinical training at facilities off-campus. The pass rate of the clinical psychologist qualification exam has been over 90 percent in recent years, and the school has produced a number of excellent specialists despite its short history.
Graduate School of Regional Management
For provinces such as Hokkaido to be independent and sustainable, we consider that it is essential to produce effective managers who can think globally and act locally.
The Graduate School of Regional Management aims to develop individuals who can drive independent and sustainable regional development. This development centers on the three skills of regional design, regional management and regional marketing expansion.
The curriculum includes four model courses. These are: development of human resources to revitalize regional economies and finance, the development of leaders for regional companies and management, the development of professional accountants (e.g. tax accountants) for regional management, and the development of human resources to successfully develop regions and towns. Each field focuses on the establishment of theories and the refinement of practical interdisciplinary skills. A variety of professors and leading professionals in the community teach and guide students. For example, the first CFP certification education program in Hokkaido is being implemented as part of the curriculum.
In addition, a Satellite campus has been established, and a long-term course system of 3 to 4 years has been introduced to enable students to complete the graduate school course while continuing to work.