グローバル・データサイエンスコース（GDS）

Master both the new common language of the era, "data" and "English," to become a work-ready talent needed worldwide

About GDS
Message from the Faculty
Skills acquired at GDS
Features of GDS
GDS Curriculum
Partnerships with companies
Class Introduction
Overseas English Training
Future image / Achievements

About GDS

In an increasingly globalized society, whether we like it or not, we have to work with the "world." At the very least, the minimum skills required for doing so are communication skills in English. Meanwhile, in today's society where all kinds of devices are connected to networks, large amounts of data are being accumulated daily in organizations such as companies and government agencies. There is a demand for people who can properly link this so-called big data to society and analyze it.
The Global Data Science Course (GDS) is a course that allows students to acquire a solid grasp of both "data" and "English," the global languages of the new era. Through four years of study, students will develop into individuals with a broad sociological perspective, practical data science skills, a global perspective, and the ability to communicate in English. These individuals will also be able to contribute to creating a better society for the next generation.

Message from the Faculty

Acquire the tools to survive in the coming "AI society"

Associate Professor Atsushi Udagawa Faculty of Sociology Department of Socio-Media Studies of Sociology

In an age where all social systems are supported and driven by "data," students are required not only to critically interpret data, but also to be able to conceive and design the way that data should be. In the GDS course, we use data science and English as two wheels to hone the practical skills to analyze the structure of society from data from around the world, and we aim to cultivate talent who can simulate the future of society with appropriate methodology and disseminate persuasive proposals globally. Knowledge of AI and data science and English skills will be useful weapons wherever you go after graduation. Why not analyze society in the GDS course and take on the challenge of solving global social issues?

I want students to acquire the ability to interpret the essence of society and communicate it to the world.

庄司昌彦教授 — Professor Masahiko Shoji Faculty of Sociology Department of Socio-Media Studies

What is important in utilizing big data and other data is to understand the essence of things based on evidence derived from various hypotheses. The skills you will acquire at GDS are the ability to put into practice at a high level the process of "data utilization," which involves thinking consistently from problem definition to analysis and presentation. This is possible only because GDS belongs to Faculty of Sociology, which looks at society as a whole objectively and thinks critically about things. Furthermore, by improving your English skills, you will be able to access information sources around the world and make wider use of your research results. If you can utilize data and speak English, you can find opportunities to succeed in any field. We encourage you to study at GDS and take on the challenge of a new field.

Skills acquired at GDS

1. Thoroughly polish your data science skills

In recent years, big data accumulated in organizations such as companies and government agencies has been attracting attention. In addition to subjects related to data usage skills, such as "Data Science Basics," which teaches what big data is and how it is used, students will also take many subjects such as methodologies for social surveys and content analysis, which are necessary for sociological and media research. After mastering sociological methodology, students will develop the ability to perform social analysis based on solid techniques.

2. Global communication skills

Studying in a different cultural sphere fosters a global perspective, and many students aspire to Study Abroad through University Agreement. During the six-week overseas English training program in the first year, students will intensively study English in a different culture, steadily improving their English skills. Our acclaimed seminars also hone the communication skills, empathy, and coordination abilities necessary to solve social issues. The synergistic effect of these learning experiences and English education will hone your communication skills.

3. Practical skills developed through on-site experience

We place emphasis on practical learning outside of school so that students can utilize the various knowledge and methodologies they have learned at university when they enter society, and we have created an environment where students can act independently. In addition to overseas English training in the first year, we offer "GDS Practice" in the second and third years. By experiencing different cultures and in the field through Study Abroad through University Agreement abroad programs, overseas volunteer work, and corporate internships, we cultivate the perspective and ability to be active globally. We also work in collaboration with companies to cultivate practical skills.

Features of GDS

Students can take classes in both Department of Sociology and Department of Socio-Media Studies

By taking classes in the Department of Department of Sociology and Department of Department of Socio-Media Studies, you will develop deep sociological insight and flexible thinking. You will also acquire true data science skills to raise meaningful questions and make proposals.

Dramatically improve your English skills with 6 weeks of English training

After the first year of English language training, some students achieve an IELTSTM score well above 5.5. Many students have a strong interest in studying abroad and wish to Study Abroad through University Agreement.

Early Graduation System

If students earn all the credits required for graduation with excellent grades, they will be allowed to graduate at the end of their third year. Although students are required to submit a graduation thesis or graduation project to graduate, in the GDS course, students can also graduate by submitting a graduation activity report based on social activities, etc.

Entrance examination method that guarantees enrollment in the GDS course after enrollment

The GDS course is a selective course. Depending on the entrance examination method, you may be given permission to join the GDS course in advance.
*Please note that the entrance examination method may be subject to change.

GDS Curriculum

Partnerships with companies

Through partnerships with various companies and governments, we provide concrete learning. ADK Marketing Solutions Co., Ltd. provides data from the "General Consumer Survey" (a large-scale single-source survey of 13,000 samples conducted annually by ADK Marketing Solutions), and students will be involved in hypothesis verification and analysis of real markets in classes at GDS. In addition, the program by BIPROGY Co., Ltd. was developed specifically for this course, from the content of the classes to the teaching materials used. Students will experience the cutting edge of data marketing through lectures and case studies by the company's instructors. By experiencing real data analysis and learning from actual people, students will be able to form an image of their future careers.

About ADK Marketing Solutions

A solutions company that offers comprehensive proposals and implementation of solutions to marketing issues, planning and buying of digital and mass media, and data-driven marketing.

What is BIPROGY?

One of Japan's leading ICT solution providers with the ability to develop core systems for financial institutions. In recent years, the company has achieved success in a wide range of fields, including marketing systems for all industries, electronic payment systems, and regional medical collaboration, and is also working on the use of AI.

Class Introduction

Introductory Sociology

You will learn major theories and concepts of sociology and various sociological themes (such as inequality, gender, education, and globalization) in English. By acquiring a sociological perspective, you will be able to question social "common sense" and consider various issues in modern society from various perspectives. By reading literature in English, discussing in English, and writing reports in English, you will improve your academic English skills, which are essential for studying abroad.

Data Science Applications

In this class, students will develop practical analytical skills using consumer survey data provided by ADK Marketing Solutions. Compared to regular social survey data, students will use data that is large in both number of variables and number of cases, and in addition to traditional hypothesis testing analysis, students will learn data mining methods such as market basket analysis and acquire the skills to extract valuable information.

GDS Practice

In order to experience how the various knowledge and methodologies learned at university can be concretely applied in society, students will go outside the university and engage in practical activities in society. In particular, the goal is to acquire practical skills to be active globally through activities that utilize the English communication skills and data science skills learned at GDS, such as social surveys and data analysis. It is possible to create a program that suits each student's wishes by consulting with faculty members and referring to the cases of seniors. By carefully selecting the destination of the volunteer or internship, it is expected that it will lead to future research themes and future career paths.

【example】

Overseas Corporate Internships
Volunteer Abroad
Domestic Corporate Data Science Internship
International cooperation NPOs, NGO volunteers, etc.

Overseas English Training

The main goal of the first-year overseas English training is to improve scores on tests such as IELTS™. Immersing yourself in English every day leads to a clear improvement in your level. By experiencing cultures and customs different from those in Japan, you will not only learn a language, but also spend a meaningful time broadening your perspective on the world.

Future image / Achievements

For companies, government organizations, and non-profit organizations that need to respond to a globalizing society

We expect you to thrive in highly creative positions that require data analysis, especially within globally expanding companies and organizations.