Japan Women's University Plans to Establish Faculty of Science and Engineering by April 2029

Japan Women's University to Launch Faculty of Science and Engineering

Japan Women's University (JWU), located in Bunkyo, Tokyo, is in the planning stages of establishing a new Faculty of Science and Engineering by April 2029. This initiative aims to evolve its current Faculty of Science to a more comprehensive Faculty of Science and Engineering, reflecting contemporary educational needs in STEM fields.

Established in 1948, JWU's Faculty of Science has been dedicated to nurturing scientific talent for over 78 years. It holds the distinction of being the only Faculty of Science at a private women’s university in Japan, laying a strong foundation in natural sciences crucial for advancing science and technology. However, with the growing complexities of societal challenges today, there is an urgent requirement to cultivate women scientists who possess not only scientific knowledge but also engineering perspectives that can facilitate practical application in real-world scenarios.

Evolution of the Faculty

The proposed Faculty of Science and Engineering will introduce a system consisting of one faculty, one department, and four specialized courses: 1. Mathematics and Physics (provisional name), 2. Information and Computer Science (provisional name), 3. Chemical and Life Sciences (provisional name), and 4. Pharmaceutical Engineering (provisional name). This expansion aims to deepen the learning of natural sciences such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology while encouraging students to challenge existing knowledge and explore unknown academic territories.

Through this comprehensive approach, the university aims to develop individuals capable of addressing the pressing issues of contemporary civilization. The emphasis will be on interdisciplinary learning that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students to tackle real-life challenges effectively.

Future Developments

Further details about the new Faculty of Science and Engineering, as well as its corresponding department, will be released as decisions are finalized. It is essential to note that the current plans are still in the conceptual phase, and changes—including the name—may arise based on discussions with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.

A Message from the President

In light of the significant global challenges we face today, including large-scale climate change, pandemics, and food security issues, Japan Women's University President, Satoko Shinohara emphasizes the need for profound scientific understanding. She stresses that educated individuals must possess the ability to analyze complex realities flexibly and devise innovative solutions based on scientific knowledge. The establishment of the Faculty of Science and Engineering aims to bolster the capacity of the university to train leaders who will ensure a sustainable and prosperous society.

Celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2021, Japan Women's University is the first organized higher education institution for women in Japan. It prides itself on being the only private women's university with a Faculty of Science, offering a unique education environment that merges liberal arts and sciences. Under the tagline, "I Act, the World Opens," the university empowers students to learn independently and create new values.

In addition to the forthcoming Faculty of Science and Engineering, JWU plans to launch a Faculty of Architectural Design in 2024. Furthermore, a new School of Food Science was established last year, along with updates to two departments within the Faculty of Letters this year. Future developments also include the anticipated Faculty of Economics (in planning for 2027) and the Faculty of Fashion Design and the Faculty of Human Sciences (in planning for 2028). These continuous reforms reflect the university’s commitment to evolving in response to the changing educational landscape.

For more details, visit Japan Women's University Website. Press release materials can be downloaded from the following link: Press Release PDF.