Academic Programs

Ehime University, Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES)

http://www.cmes.ehime-u.ac.jp/index.html

Ehime University was established in 1999. CMES, whose main purpose is research, was established in 2002 and focuses on environmental problems resulting from physical, chemical, and biological aspects. The main research area is the Seto Inland Sea, and additional research focus is on global pollution caused by harmful chemical substances such as endocrine disruptors (so-called environmental hormones). The bio-environment sample bank (es-BANK) and the research training vessel, “Isana”, are important foundations of CMES' research activities. While the main purpose of CMES is research, it also trains researchers in related fields through advanced courses at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.

 Hokkaido University, Master's Program of Environmental Earth Science for Sustainable Society, in Engish (EPEES-SS)

https://www.ees.hokudai.ac.jp/division/earth/

This 2-year, full-time English-language program aims to foster the development of professionals and researchers who can contribute to the protection of global and local environments. Coursework and fieldwork projects train students to evaluate international environmental problems from an interdisciplinary focus. Graduates are expected to understand different cultures, customs and values; and to address environmental problems in collaboration with researchers and experts from multiple countries.

Hokkaido University, Doctorate Program of Environmental Earth Science for Sustainable Society, in English (EPEES-SS)

https://www.ees.hokudai.ac.jp/division/kigaku/

This 3-year, full-time English-language program is offered by the Graduate School of Environmental Science. Students select courses from a wide range of subjects, and any faculty member in the Graduate School can act as a thesis supervisor. Students choose from core and advanced courses in environmental sciences, as well from courses in policy, leadership, and culture. Laboratory and fieldwork are also important modules of the program.

International Christian University (ICU), Environmental Studies

https://www.icu.ac.jp/en/academics/undergraduate/major/major31/index.html

The ICU undergraduate major in Environmental Studies focuses on issues that straddle the natural, human, and social environments. The program bridges diverse academic fields and mobilizes the strengths of ICU's liberal arts curriculum. The coursework incorporates multiple academic perspectives from the humanities and sciences. The program aims to equip students with the basic knowledge and ideas necessary for solving problems while enriching their awareness of nature. Students are expected to develop a capacity for interdisciplinary critical thinking and problem solving, to understand current issues and ethical questions affecting environmental decision-making, and to want to become leaders who can help to solve some of our critical global environmental issues.

Josei International University, Faculty of Social and Environmental Studies

https://www.jiu.ac.jp/englishsite/u_program/f_env.html

Established in 2010 at the Togane Campus in Chiba prefecture, this undergraduate program is designed to help students to develop a global view and a practical approach to environmental issues. Students learn both theory and practice, with a focus on the interaction between society and the environment--including urban environmental degradation, local landscape and community conservation, and safety and health in modern consumerism. After acquiring the necessary leadership skills, graduates are ready to play a role in creating a low-carbon and recycling society and also in reinvigorating local communities. Students choose a specialization in the following fields: urban and/or rural area environmental management; agriculture and food business/culture; and horticulture and health.

Kyoto University Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies (GSGES)

http://www2.ges.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/

The Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies (GSGES) was established in April 2002 to focus on global environmental sustainability as a new field of academic study--bringing together ethics, science and technology, and humanities and social sciences. The school has a multidisciplinary and international faculty actively engaged in research with Japanese, foreign, and international governmental organizations. The school aims to train outstanding professionals and leaders in environmental management. Core lectures are conducted in English.

Kyoto University, Master’s Program in Environmental Management

http://www2.ges.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/education/programs/mpem/

This 2-year, full-time program includes: core coursework in the theoretical foundations of global environmental studies, a lengthy internship aimed at enhancing professional skills outside of the university, and the preparation of a master's thesis. Graduates may thereafter work in the government or private sector, continue for doctoral studies, or become academic researchers.

Kyoto University, Doctoral Program in Global Environmental Studies

http://www2.ges.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/education/programs/dpge/

This 3-year, full-time program accepts students who have obtained a master’s degree or the equivalent in various fields. The program encompasses the Department of Global Ecology, the Department of Technology and Ecology, and the Department of Natural Resources. According to student needs, supplemental coursework may be required to be taken from the Master's Program in Environmental Management. Students are assigned an academic supervisor and sub-supervisor.

Kyoto University, Doctoral Program in Environmental Management

http://www2.ges.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/education/programs/dpem/

This 3-year, full-time program aims to train outstanding environmental management practitioners and researchers. The program includes core coursework, a compulsory internship of approximately six months, and the completion of a doctoral thesis. Each student is assigned an academic supervisor and sub-supervisor.

The doctoral program in Environmental Management has two components, the general program and the “International Environmental Management Program” (G30 program). For the latter, please refer to the following website for more details:

http://www2.ges.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/activities/educational-activities/g30-educational-program/

Kyoto University, International Environmental Management Program

http://www2.ges.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/activities/educational-activities/iemp/

The Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies (GSGES) has established the International Environmental Management Program to strengthen educational and research opportunities for international students. GSGES offers two doctoral and one master's program. Most classes are taught in English, which makes the programs accessible and attractive to international students.

Kyushu University, Bachelor of Bioresource and Bioenvironment in Animal Resources

https://www.agr.kyushu-u.ac.jp/english/international/undergraduate/

This 4-year, full-time program, offered by the Department of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, provides a basic understanding of the bioenvironment and the production and applications of bioresources. Courses cover basic natural science, economics, and international relations; as well as cutting-edge biotechnology. There is also the opportunity for original research. Studies in Fisheries Science include field and lab activities in marine biosciences and biotechnology. Studies in Animal Science focus on methods of producing sustainable, high-quality protein sources through optimized utilization of animal resources.

Kyushu University, International Master's Program in Bioresource and Bioenvironment in Animal Resources

https://www.agr.kyushu-u.ac.jp/english/international/graduate/

This 2-year, full-time program is offered by the Department of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Studies. Courses cover basic natural science, economics, and international relations; as well as cutting-edge biotechnology. There is also the opportunity for original research. Studies in Fisheries Science include field and lab activities in marine biosciences and biotechnology. Studies in Animal Science focus on methods of producing sustainable, high-quality protein sources through optimized utilization of animal resources. International students from qualifying countries can apply for JDS Scholarships from the Japanese government: https://jds-scholarship.org/

Kyushu University, International Master's Program in Earth Resources Engineering

https://www.eng.kyushu-u.ac.jp/e/g_international.html

This 2-year, full-time program is offered by the Graduate School of Engineering, which consists of seven specialized laboratories: Economic Geology; Exploration Geophysics; Geothermics; Resources Production and Safety Engineering; Rock Engineering and Mining Machinery; Mineral Processing, Recycling and Environmental Remediation, and Energy Resources Engineering. Students benefit from a wide range of research covering technical and engineering issues that arise at any stage of resource development, from exploration and production to remediation and recycling.

Kyushu University, International Master's Program in Energy and Environmental Engineering

https://www.eng.kyushu-u.ac.jp/e/g_international.html

This 2-year, full-time program is offered by the Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Sciences. It is designed for international students seeking an in-depth knowledge of symbiotic technology in order to understand and solve the world’s energy and environmental problems. Students are closely guided by a team of supervisors in state-of-the-art research facilities. They are also encouraged to communicate and collaborate with other research entities and experts in Japan and abroad. This program mainly focusing in the area of Molecular and Material Sciences.

Kyushu University, International Master's Program in Urban and Environmental Engineering

https://www.eng.kyushu-u.ac.jp/e/g_international.htmlEngineering

This 2-year, full-time program is offered by the Graduate School of Engineering. The Urban and Environmental Engineering Global Program provides students with the analytical tools to evaluate urban and environmental issues as well as technologies used to develop new urban environmental systems. In addition to technical training, a major objective is to inspire students to be ethically conscious and have a deep understanding of society and the environment. In addition to conventional engineering disciplines, students take classes in communication, engineering ethics, and engineering management. Through these innovative courses students are able to understand a wider range of views and have strong decision-making skills.

Kyushu University, International Doctoral Program in Earth Resources Engineering

https://www.eng.kyushu-u.ac.jp/e/g_international.html

This 3-year, full-time program is offered by the Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, which consists of seven specialized laboratories: Economic Geology; Engineering Geophysics; Geothermics; Resources Production and Safety Engineering; Rock Engineering and Mining Machinery; Mineral Processing and Recycling; and Energy Resources Engineering. Research covers a wide range of technical and engineering issues that arise at all stages of resource development--from exploration and production to remediation and recycling.

Kyushu University, International Doctoral Program in Energy and Environmental Engineering

https://www.eng.kyushu-u.ac.jp/e/g_international.html

This 3-year, full-time program is offered by the Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Sciences. It is designed for international students seeking an in-depth knowledge of symbiotic technology in order to understand and solve the world’s energy and environmental problems. Students are closely guided by a team of supervisors in state-of-the-art research facilities. They are also encouraged to communicate and collaborate with other research entities and experts in Japan and abroad. This program mainly focusing in the area of Molecular and Material Sciences.

Kyushu University, International Doctoral Program in Urban and Environmental Engineering

https://www.eng.kyushu-u.ac.jp/e/g_international.htmlEngineering

This 3-year, full-time program is offered by the Graduate School of Engineering. The Urban and Environmental Engineering Global Program provides students with the analytical tools to evaluate urban and environmental issues as well as technologies used to develop new urban environmental systems. In addition to technical training, a major objective is to inspire students to be ethically conscious and have a deep understanding of society and the environment. In addition to conventional engineering disciplines, students take classes in communication, engineering ethics, and engineering management. Through these innovative courses students are able to understand a wider range of views and have strong decision-making skills.

Nagoya University, Graduate School of Environmental Studies

http://www.env.nagoya-u.ac.jp/english/admission/index.html

The Graduate School of Environmental Studies, established in 2001, is an interdisciplinary organization offering master's and doctoral degrees. The school has established a new academic methodology called "clinical environmental studies", and its programs are founded on the two pillars of: Sustainability Studies, and Safety and Security Science. The School consists of three academic departments:

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences - 
http://www.env.nagoya-u.ac.jp/english/dept/earth.html

Department of Environmental Engineering and Architecture -
http://www.env.nagoya-u.ac.jp/english/dept/design.html

Department of Social and Human Environment -
http://www.env.nagoya-u.ac.jp/english/dept/society.html

Application requirements for international students -
http://www.env.nagoya-u.ac.jp/english/admission/doc/Oct_2020.pdf

Sophia University Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies

https://www.genv.sophia.ac.jp/english/academics/index.html

The School offers courses covering a wide range of global environmental issues, and it aims to provide students with a holistic understanding of the multiple and complex factors that have contributed to the current global environmental crisis. Students are free to choose classes in the natural sciences and humanities that are suited to their interests, backgrounds, and future career aspirations. This flexibility enables students to create their own curriculum chart and timetable. Another attraction of the school is the small class sizes.

Sophia University, Masters of Arts (M.A.) in Global Environmental Studies

https://www.genv.sophia.ac.jp/english/academics/index.html

The 2-year, full-time program offers two degree tracks for Masters-level students. The Credit-track M.A. is for students who want to enhance their expertise but do not intend to continue on to the doctoral program. The Thesis-track M.A. is for students seeking to continue studies for a PhD. The academic and coursework requirements are slightly different for each track.

Sophia University, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Global Environmental Studies

https://www.genv.sophia.ac.jp/english/academics/doctoral_program.html

The 3-year, full-time PhD program is designed for the advanced study of specific areas relating to the global environment. While no formal coursework is required, candidates are encouraged to participate in workshops and other program activities in consultation with their doctoral dissertation supervisor.

Sophia University, Green Science and Engineering Division 

https://www.sophia.ac.jp/eng/admissions/graduate_p/english_g2/gpst.html

This division offers Masters of Science (M.S.) and PhD degrees. The entire educational program of this new division, established in 2013, including lectures and research guidance, is available in English. The focus is on environment and sustainability related studies. To foster cross-disciplinary education, faculty members from all of the school's other eight divisions are involved in teaching. Students are required to work closely with a faculty member for thesis research. This thesis research advisor can be chosen from any of the faculty members of the graduate program in science and technology.

Tohoku University Graduate School of Environmental Studies

http://www.kankyo.tohoku.ac.jp/en/

This graduate school consists of two departments: the Department of Environmental Studies for Advanced Society, and the Department of Frontier Science for Advanced Environment. Both departments offer Master's and Doctoral degrees for international students.

The Department of Environmental Studies for Advanced Society aims to teach students to create solutions to the environmental problems that threaten society. Students should have an interest in the environmental aspects of civilization, a basic understanding of social sciences and public policy, and want to acquire a strong knowledge of various technologies and how to integrate them as innovative solutions.

The Department of Frontier Science for Advanced Environment offers three courses of study.

(1) Eco-materials and Processing: This focuses on the fields of resources, materials and energy which are critical to a sustainable human society. Specifically, treatment of raw materials used for safeguarding the global environment, material processing, recycle technology, low-energy and developing new materials capable of reducing the environmental burden.

(2) Applied Environmental Chemistry: This focuses on processes that reduce the environmental load in industries that are supplied materials and resources taken from the environment, and also energy-intensive industries such as those manufacturing chemical products and other materials. Students acquire an advanced knowledge to pioneer new environmental-friendly processes

(3) Cultural Environmental Studies: In addition to the technical objectives mentioned in the above two courses, a sustainable human society must solve cultural challenges related to the social system. In addition to the study of science, students research fields such as social history, social anthropology, environmental law, environmental policy, environmental economics, and technology management.

The Tohoku University Graduate School of Environmental Studies also sponsors the International Environmental Leadership Program (IELP), which is a non-degree, post-graduate school program designed to develop the qualities and skills needed to solve the future issues of global and local environment and resources with special emphasis on Asia (ASEAN), Russia/CIS, and Africa. Students attend supplemental advanced lectures in addition to their general graduate program.

Tokyo Institute of Technology, Global Scientists and Engineers Program

https://www.titech.ac.jp/english/education/platforms/global.html

This 4-year undergraduate program aims to provide students with a broad, global education. This will enable them to communicate and co-create with engineers in other fields with a global perspective; and to manage complex and large-scale projects and organizations that contribute to an inclusive society and sustainable environment in emerging and developing countries. This program consists of three graduate-level majors: Civil Engineering, Global Engineering for Development Environment and Society, and Urban Design and Built Environment.

Tokyo Institute of Technology, Graduate Programs for Environmental Designers Contributing to Resilient Cities

https://www.titech.ac.jp/english/education/graduate_majors/gedes/

The Postgraduate Program for Environmental Designers Contributing to Resilient Cities offers courses and research opportunities leading to a Master of Engineering degree and a Doctor of Engineering degree--either in Civil and Environmental Engineering or in Architecture and Building Engineering. The Program aims to nurture talented students to become Environmental Designers who can contribute to creating a disaster-resilient environment as highly skilled engineers, architects, governmental officers, or researchers. This program is especially aimed at students from emerging/developing disaster-prone countries.

The Master's Program trains individuals to be global scientists and engineers with abilities that enable them to solve complex problems shared by global society, comprehend the systems of science and engineering without being bound by them, and contribute to the innovation of novel technology, values, and concepts.

The Doctoral Program cultivates individuals to be global experts with the leadership and abilities to solve the complex problems faced by global society, based on the understanding of science and engineering systems without being bound by their existing framework. The Doctoral program requires students to start again at the Master’s level even if they have already completed a degree from another institution. This combined program can be completed within 3-5 years.

United Nations University, Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) 

https://ias.unu.edu/en/admissions/degrees/phd-in-sustainability-science-2020.html#overview

The 3-year Doctoral Program in Sustainability Science is for students who want to become key researchers in the field of sustainability science. Students are encouraged to enhance their understanding of global change perspectives, specifically those relating to climate change and biodiversity. In addition to coursework, there are unique opportunities to interact with leading scholars and policymakers through lectures, international conferences, and workshops. Students are also invited to play an active role in UNU-IAS research projects. Students select courses from those offered by UNU-IAS, and they may take courses or pursue joint diploma programs at other Japanese universities such as the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (UT-GSFS), Sophia University Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, and International Christian University.

University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Asia International Educational Program for Graduate Students in Occupational Health

https://www.uoeh-u.ac.jp/english/graduate/asiaprogram.html

The University consists of a School of Medicine, School of Health, Graduate School of Medical Science, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, and a University Hospital. Within the graduate school is the Asia International Educational Program for Graduate Students in the field of Occupational Health.

The University of Tokyo, Komaba Campus, Undergraduate Program in Environmental Sciences

http://peak.c.u-tokyo.ac.jp/courses/es/index.html

This 4-year, full-time undergraduate program is offered as part of the University of Tokyo's "Programs in English at Komaba" (PEAK), established in 2012 as the school's first degree program taught in a foreign language. The Komaba campus website is: https://www.c.u-tokyo.ac.jp/eng_site/index.html

Each year, PEAK accepts only a limited number of students who spend their first two years taking a wide range of liberal arts courses. In their third and fourth years they focus on a specific curriculum of Environmental Sciences or Japan-in-East-Asia. The goal of the Environmental Sciences Program is to provide students with a broad-based, inter- and multi-disciplinary understanding of Environmental Systems and Global Sciences. The coursework is focused on six modules: Environmental Principles; Management and Policy; Measurement and Evaluation; Materials, Systems and Dynamics; Energy and Resources; and Health and Security/Urban Planning Technology.

The University of Tokyo, Graduate Program on Environmental Sciences (GPES)

http://gpes.c.u-tokyo.ac.jp/introduction/index.html

GPES offers Masters and PhD level English-language degree programs as an extension of the PEAK Environmental Studies undergraduate program. The goal is to train students to analyze and develop environmental policies across economic, cultural and political perspectives--grounded on basic science and technology. These two graduate programs allow students to choose their field of specialization from: natural & agricultural sciences, industrial technologies, and social sciences--including economics, politics and other related disciplines. In addition to coursework, students are also provided with the unique opportunity to work with experts on pressing global problems. Graduates are trained to become professional specialists capable of making an international contribution to environmental and energy issues, grounded on natural and social sciences.

The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, Department of Natural Environmental Studies

https://www.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp/pros-e/nenv-e/index-e.htm

The Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (GSFS) is composed of three departments: Transdisciplinary Sciences, Biosciences, and Environmental Studies. The Department of Natural Environmental Studies is divided into: Terrestrial Environmental Studies, and Marine Environmental Studies. Sub-groups include: ocean technology, environmental systems, human and engineered environmental studies, socio-cultural environmental studies, and international studies. Profound interrelationships exist between the land where we humans live and the oceans covering 70 percent of the earth's surface. Accordingly, the goal of the Department of Natural Environmental Studies is to foster environmental scientists who can understand the earth's environment through an integrated, global-scale perspective of the terrestrial and marine environments. The Department offers masters and doctoral degrees.

The Graduate Program in Sustainability Science (GPSS) is a separate graduate school department with its own curriculum and which also awards Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Sustainability Science. The GPSS has its own entrance examination that must be passed in order to gain admission. The GPSS was established as a joint initiative with five other departments to provide a program for a broad study of the basic knowledge and concepts necessary for creating a sustainable society. The GPSS program is also supported by The University of Tokyo Integrated Research System for Sustainability Science (IR3S). The website for this program is found at: https://www.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp/pros-e/sustaina-e/index-e.htm

Tsukuba University, Undergraduate Program in Bio-Resource Science

http://www.global.tsukuba.ac.jp/undergraduate/bio-resource

This Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Program in Life and Environmental Sciences has a modular organization, which allows students to study a wide variety of subjects. In the second and third years, students choose from courses offered by the College of Agro-Biological Resource and Forestry Sciences, as well as courses in applied biological chemistry and environmental engineering offered by the other Colleges in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences. In the four year, students undertake a research project supervised by a professor.

Tsukuba University, Undergraduate Program in the Science in Geoscience

http://www.global.tsukuba.ac.jp/undergraduate/geoscience

The College of Geoscience offers English and Japanese programs for a Bachelor of Science in Geoscience. Students acquire a general knowledge of the Earth's evolution, the natural processes on the Earth, and the interactions between natural environments and human activities, which are necessary for the development of a sustainable society. The four-year degree in Geoscience, which started in 2011, is the only English-language undergraduate program of its kind in Japan.

Waseda University, Graduate School of Environment and Energy Engineering (WEEE)

https://www.waseda.jp/fsci/gweee/en/

The Graduate School of Environment and Energy Engineering (WEEE) offers Master's and Doctoral degrees in the fields of energy, resources, and environment. It also offers an International Environmental Leaders Program where students become certified as leaders after completing coursework, research, and domestic and overseas studies. WEEE welcomes applicants who are recent college graduates as well as mid-career government officials and business people. The academic program takes an integrated and collaborative approach, with an emphasis on using society as a field for experiments. WEEE expects its graduates to become local and global leaders, both in government and business.