Message from the Dean

Learning in the Faculty of Human Sciences,
Sendai Shirayuri Women's College

学部長 大本 泉

Sendai Shirayuri Women's College and Sendai Shirayuri Junior College were established in 1966. In 1996, the Junior College and Women’s college were reorganized into a college with a single Facutly of Human Sciences. In 2021, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the college's opening.

As stated in the Message from the President, the parent organization of Shirayuri Gakuen is the Convent of St. Paul of Chartres (whose headquarters is now in Rome) which conducted welfare and educational activities in France in the 17th century. The Convent also celebrated the 325th anniversary of its founding in 2021. The names of the Gakuen and the Convent are well known in Japan, and throughout the world. The Faculty of Human Sciences, Sendai Shirayuri Women's college is the only Catholic college in the Tohoku district and was established for education and research with the Christian spirit of love as an axis.

The Faculty of Human Sciences consists of four departments and aims to pursue solutions to the various problems of society from a wide range of research fields using interdisciplinary and professional approaches based on the spirit of Christian love. Our faculty members are experts in research fields and are committed to helping students in determining “their ideal career” through education and practical expertise acquired over four years.

According to Teikoku Databank Data, the rate of women managers in Japan in 2021 was only 8.9%. Compared to advanced countries in Europe and the US,  the environment is difficult for women in Japan who want to undertake leadership roles in order to actively contribute to society. We need to improve our society so that women can select any path toward “their ideal career.”

As a women’s college, we offer an environment where students can focus on their studies without worrying about their surroundings. Starting in their first year of studies, students at Sendai Shirayuri Women’s College take classes where they are encouraged to objectively explore the issues facing women and minorities and to offer solutions on how to improve the present situation. This is the strength of a small college. This is also reflected in the close relationship between students and faculty members, and an environment where faculty can be approached easily. We have a number female teachers and students can benefit from their mentoring or consultation activities.

People who take care of themselves and love their neighbors are wonderful people. A person grows while meeting people and communicating with them. Through relationships with others, students acquire the ability to be independent and develop “their ideal career.” The Faculty of Human Sciences, Sendai Shirayuri Women'’s College places importance on the formation of character, aiming to cultivate women with  a flexible and gentle sensibility as well as the from the viewpoints in individual specialized research areas. Through this students develop  a healthy self-esteem that allows them to improve the lives of others. ur teachers and staff are here to support students in achieving their  goals.

Education and Research Purpose

The Faculty of Human Sciences aims to foster independent women in obtaining e a wide-ranging education and deep expertise with rich sensibility and social sense so that they can contribute to the realization of true human happiness, peace and welfare, based on the love and reverence for people that are rooted in the teachings of Christ.

Policy for admission of new students

We seek students who understand the philosophy of the foundation and the purpose of education of this college, have a deep interest in people and society and are strongly committed to studying with a spirit of inquiry. In addition, we seek students who are willing to  take on the challenge of acting positively to improve self-expression and communication skills and to make their dreams and hopes come true.

Policy on organizing and implementing curricula

We have organized the curricula for the Faculty of Human Sciences based on the following policy so that students can acquire a view of the world and comprehensive education and expertise based on the Catholic Christian spirit stated in the Diploma Policy of this faculty.

  1. We offer common subjects of the faculty beyond the boundaries of departments to provide learning based on the educational goal of this college. The common subjects of the faculty include subjects on the spirit of the foundation of the college, basic education subjects, general education, globalization, and careers. In the group of these subjects, major subjects in the first year's education of this college are set, and the subjects on Christian studies and the fundamental education subjects such as basic seminars and Japanese expression and information processing subjects are compulsory subjects.
  2. Common general education subjects for acquiring a wide-ranging knowledge of human beings, culture and nature include subjects on the humanities, social science and natural science (including the field of health and sports) and students study the subjects to develop their diverse and comprehensive understanding. In addition, the subjects on globalization include subjects on international relations and cross-cultural understanding in addition to subjects on foreign languages such as English.
  3. In each department, major subjects are systematically arranged so students can study the specific  fields of the department and acquire specialized knowledge and skills, and various courses for obtaining qualifications are also provided. In addition, some of the specialized subjects in each department are provided as related subjects to other departments so that students have a breadth of knowledge beyond their major area.
  4. We provide the opportunities for students to actively and voluntarily learn through experiences and practice in and outside the college by exercises and practical training, field work, overseas training, overseas study, and internships.
  5. We provide lessons in small classes and according to detailed plans and methods in consideration of the order of subjects to be taken, level of contents and class schedule so that students can learn proactively.
  6. We evaluate the student's knowledge and skills comprehensively based on the goal to be achieved in each subject so that students can appropriately study all subjects including the common subjects of the faculty and specialized subjects.

Policy on Graduation Approval and Degree Conferment

  1. The faculty confers a degree to students who understand Catholicism and Christianity, have a view of the world and a view of human beings based on the knowledge, skills and spirit in accordance with the foundation of the college.
  2. The faculty confers a degree to students who possess all-round and harmoniously developed humanity, a wide-ranging education and rich sensibility, have creativity, judgment and practical skills and can contribute to true human happiness, peace and welfare.
  3. The faculty confers a degree to students who have expertise in the understanding and support of people cultivated in the Faculty of Human Sciences and also have good judgment, ability to think and practical skills that allow them to actively respond to changes in society.
Number of credits required for completion
Department and Major/Subject Common subject Specialized subject Credits required for graduation
Child Development, Department of Human Developmental Science 29 credits or more 70 credits or more 124 credits or more
Department of Psychology and Social Work 30 credits or more 70 credits or more 124 credits or more
Nutritional Management, Department of Health and Nutrition 30 credits or more 70 credits or more 124 credits or more
Department of Global Studies 30 credits or more 70 credits or more 124 credits or more