Our program is designed to equip students with skills and expertise essential for being future leaders in government, international businesses, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations. Students undergo the academic and research training through the required and elective coursework and the process of thesis writing.

Our coursework curriculum consists of three groups: Required courses in which students receive research guidance toward completion of the master's thesis; Elective 1 courses through which students nurture the basic problem-solving approach on subjects including qualitative research methods, philosophy, corporate social responsibilities, organizational theory, social development, research methodology, and human resource development; and Elective 2 courses through which students develop the academic and hands-on expertise on the fields of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), public management, and economics.

In their first year, students may take at least five Elective 1 courses related to social design, acquiring foundational knowledge and strengthening their logical thinking ability. In the second year, they may take Elective 2 courses in line with their research interests and complete a Master's thesis. Through this combination of coursework and thesis writing process, students can acquire expertise in public policy and social design.

The Master of Social Development and Administration (MSDA) Course of the Graduate School of Social Design Studies offers a curriculum designed to foster highly skilled professionals. MSDA students take all courses in English, and ultimately complete a Master's thesis. There is also a double-degree program allowing students to earn a degree from both Rikkyo University and an international partner institution at the same time. The 30 credits required for completion of the MSDA comprise the following:

• Required courses: Master's thesis supervision – 4 credits
• Elective 1 courses: Foundation courses in social development – 10 credits
• Elective 2 courses: 16 or more credits

Number of Credits Required for Graduation

Required Courses: 4 credits
Elective Courses I: 10 credits
Elective Courses II: 16 credits or more
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Total: 30 credits or more
Each MSDA course carries 2 credits.

The following course list is a draft revised on August 2024.
Whether the courses will be offered or not is subject to change.

The official syllabus of MSDA will be released on August 2025.

You can find the latest academic year calendar from the following link.

In August, the MSDA course organizes a field trip to Rikuzentakata City for first-year students as part of their off-campus research activities. They learn about disaster management on site. This also becomes an excellent opportunity to step out of mega-city Tokyo and experience Japanese traditional culture and way of living.

In January, the MSDA students visit Hiroshima for better understanding of the city's history including the atomic bombing damage and the reconstruction.

In June, the MSDA first-year students visit the Life Safety Learning Center located in the neighborhood of Rikkyo University.