HOME > ENGLISH
Message from the Dean | Faculty Outline | Educational Policy | Department Outline

Faculty of Education, Art and Science Yamagata University

Message from the Dean

Faculty Dean

The Power to Survive and Support Future Generations

Masaki Nakanishi

Dean, Faculty of Education, Art and Science

In 1949, Yamagata University was established from a merging of Yamagata High School, Yamagata Normal School, Yamagata Youth Normal School, Yonezawa Engineering College, and the Yamagata Prefectural College of Agriculture and Forestry. The Faculty of Education at the time was reorganized into the Faculty of Education, Art and Science. From its roots as a teachers’ college, the current faculty has a long and proud history.

The present faculty is composed of two courses, the Primary Education Course and the Cultural Innovation Course. We strive to foster students with a regional perspective in the fields of education, health culture, and art culture. Our curriculum is designed to make them active members in the ‘glocal’ community.

In today’s world, whether one majors in the sciences or the humanities, it is essential to be able to read and interpret data, as well as to make use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Furthermore, the ability to independently detect problems and offer solutions will be a prerequisite for success in our rapidly modernizing society. The Faculty of Education, Art and Science is uniquely positioned to offer such skills and nurture its next generation of students. Interdisciplinary study, which is offered by both the Primary Education Course and the Cultural Innovation Course, will allow students to become experts in their chosen fields and overcome whatever obstacles they may face.

The professors of our faculty endeavor to educate and inspire learners through a high quality curriculum that is continually updated to adapt to the needs of the world. This, I believe, is the responsibility of the university. Those graduates, in turn, will go on to instruct and motivate future generations. As Yamagata University is one of the largest comprehensive universities in eastern Japan, the Faculty of Education, Art and Science aspires to play its own unique role. It is my sincere wish that you will work in concert with our faculty to constantly challenge yourself and make meaningful contributions to society.


Faculty Outline

The Faculty of Education, Art and Science, formerly the Faculty of Education, was restructured in April 2005 to better meet the needs of students in the 21st century. In 2012, three departments were merged into one in order to train individuals with the practical skills necessary to succeed in the modern world. Students in this faculty not only develop technical skills, they also strive to create a better living environment for society. Further, each of our two courses (Primary Education and Cultural Innovation) attempts to cultivate well-rounded individuals.


Educational Policy

The Faculty of Education, Art and Science plays a crucial role in the local region by providing higher learning in the fields of education, health, culture, and the arts. The Faculty has a strong commitment to the social sciences and through its education and research strives to instill graduates with a broad perspective, integrity, a spirit of inquiry, and humanity.
The Faculty also stresses originality and flexibility, with the aim of fostering practical human resources that will contribute to the autonomous development of local communities.



Department of Education, Art, and Science

Department Outline

In our department we strive to meet the challenges of improving education, refining cultural pursuits, and creating optimal lifestyles. In order to best serve students so that they can become highly productive members of society, the department is made up of 2 courses with 5 specialized programs. In addition to providing students with specialized knowledge, they are also given ample practical training and application.

The curriculum of this department is in principle structured as follows. First, students begin with general studies. Next, they progress to the core program of their chosen field. Finally, learners conclude with the advanced program.

Every program is designed so that students can acquire much general knowledge in addition to their chosen field of expertise. An overview of each program is given below.

Primary Education

In this course, students build a strong foundation in educational theory and teaching methods. We develop the skills of future teachers who will become part of a team at their respective schools. These teachers will support the learning of schoolchildren through the cooperation of school counselors, school social workers, families and the local community.

Students in this course share one or more of the following attributes:

  • Those aiming to become elementary school teachers.
  • Individuals who will acquire an elementary school teaching license along with a license to teach junior or senior high school subjects (Japanese, Social Studies, Math, Science, English, or senior high school Geography/History), or kindergarten, or special needs education.
  • Men and women with a strong base of knowledge across subjects and a spirit of inquisitiveness.
  • Individuals eager to work in the community and support local education initiatives with the cooperation of families and the general public.
  • People who work well with children, exhibiting both patience and open-mindedness.

Cultural Innovation

This course caters to a diverse group of students. Here, students can study in disciplines related to physical and psychological well-being such as sports, mental health, and food coordinating. Others can engage in cultural enrichment pursuits such as music, design, or other artistic endeavors. The underlying theme of this course is to create a better society through knowledge and practical application of skills. We develop graduates who play active roles in their local community.

Students in this course share one or more of the following attributes:

  • Individuals interested in supporting health or culture related activities in regional areas.
  • Those who want to contribute to the health of body and mind in the fields of psychology, food culture, or sports science.
  • People who have a keen interest in music, design, or other fine arts.
  • Those who wish to obtain a junior or senior high school teaching license in the subject of health and physical education, music, or art.
表示モード:スマートフォンスマートフォン | PCPC