Departmental characteristics
Studying human behavior from three perspectives.
Psychology + Sports Science + Sociology = ∞
All three fields share the commonality of using scientific methods to approach human behavior and thought influenced by the social environment. However, taking "health" as an example, psychology focuses on the psychological health of individuals and the health of interpersonal relationships within groups, sports science focuses on physical health and athletic performance, and sociology focuses on the health and fairness of society itself. Even with the same theme, they focus on different aspects of human beings. This diversity of research is what makes this department so appealing. In addition, students can aim to obtain qualifications such as Certified Clinical Psychologist, Certified Psychologist, Junior and Senior High School Teacher's License (Health and Physical Education), and Social Researcher to work in the field of each area.
Using ICT to "visualize" bodily information
The science of exercise and sports
One of the roles of sports science is to collect and analyze physical information as data and use it to improve exercise and health activities. In sports practical classes, all students wear wristwatch-type heart rate monitors to measure their heart rate, and the heart rate data is transmitted to an iPad via Bluetooth, which is then displayed on a projector. Students check their own heart rate while running and consider ways to improve their physical fitness efficiently and effectively by self-evaluating their own heart rate. In addition, we offer a teacher training program to obtain a Type 1 teaching license (health and physical education) for junior and senior high schools, aiming to train teachers who can make a difference with cutting-edge knowledge.
We cultivate individuals who contribute to society as professionals aiming to acquire various qualifications.
In the three fields of "Psychology," "Sports Science," and "Sociology," we explore the relationship between human thought and behavior using scientific methods. This department allows students to aim for qualifications such as Certified Clinical Psychologist, Junior and Senior High School Teacher's License (Health and Physical Education), Certified Psychologist, and Social Researcher. In particular, the Certified Clinical Psychologist qualification, a national qualification, is in high demand as a psychology specialist in many fields, including healthcare, welfare, education, and industry. In classes, students learn how to explore the current state and needs of society using scientific methods, and acquire various techniques for supporting people who need assistance.
Learning paths that include experiential learning
Effectively acquire scientific research methods
We have established a "step-by-step learning path" that combines lectures and experiential learning to enable students to acquire knowledge in a practical way. Learning at our university is not just about listening to lectures. In the first year, students work on assigned experimental research tasks by hand, and in the second year, they gain systematic experience in scientific experimental research. In the third year, they choose their own themes and work on them in their respective seminars, and in the fourth year, they collect data, analyze it, and present their findings on their own. We provide detailed feedback, deepen students' understanding through peer learning, and cultivate their ability to see human psychology and society.
The appeal of discovering what you want to learn, and the feeling of actually acquiring knowledge.
The study of human psychology and behavior is fascinating.
Hana Shirai, 2nd year student
(From Yamagata Prefecture / Tsuruoka Minami High School (now Chidokan High School))
During my middle and high school years, I sometimes experienced emotional instability. However, I felt better when I talked to others, such as the school counselor or the nurse in the school office. I wondered why this was, and that's why I aspired to study human psychology. My favorite class is "Introduction to Clinical Psychology," where we learn about counseling and psychotherapy in detail and practice them through role-playing. We also measure and analyze our own personalities, which I find interesting because it allows us to understand ourselves objectively and reveals our behavioral tendencies.
Compared to my high school days, I'm much more positive about studying now. The reason is that I've found something I want to learn, and I've realized that "the more I study, the more I benefit." I'm glad I didn't give up on learning and went to university. Now I'm interested in becoming a certified clinical psychologist. Just like the people who helped me during difficult times, I want to be able to help others in the future.