The mathematics program uses the “mathematics seminar” format as the center of its instruction and research. The seminars held early in the program often feature presentations given by graduate students using materials culled from careful reading of technical books, and articles describing basic research, but after everyone has a research theme, they present on their own progress and results. During this period, supervising instructors give research guidance, so this is a great learning opportunity for those students aiming to create a complete thesis. This division emphasizes learning through lectures. In addition to the lectures given by the full-time instructors, part-time lecturers are also invited, so that the lectures touch on a wide range of topics in modern mathematics. In this way, we provide a robust environment for the study and research of mathematics; however, we believe the most important lessons are learned in executing the research cycle of isolating a problem, resolving it, and reporting the results. The joy that the students feel the moment they solve a problem that they have been considering for some time is very strong, and we would like our students to have that experience here.

In the mathematics major, the forerunner of this division, a master’s program was established in 1969 as the first stage of a doctoral program and of the 179 students that completed the program, about 30% went on to a higher degree, about 20% became junior high school or high school teachers, and about 30% worked for a company. After the second stage of the doctoral program was established in 1972, 47 students finished, including students who have completed every aspect of the program except for writing their dissertation, and 24 were awarded a doctorate degree. Of these degree holders, 70% went to work at universities while the remainder worked at schools or companies. We intend to continue to perform to these standards.

Close research guidance

In this program, the ratio of average students to full-time instructors is 1:1. In contrast to the programs in crowded national universities, we offer personal research guidance appropriate for the students’ level.

Creating a convenient research environment

We have a mathematics library separate from the university’s central library with more than 30,000 technical books and approximately 200 journals. In addition, we have electronic journals and e-books, a database for searching books and papers, and other tools that are useful for researchers.

Intercollegiate Auditors Program

The Graduate School Mathematics Liaison Council is made of 10 universities: Sophia University, Tokyo Woman’s Christian University, Tsuda College, Rikkyo University, Gakushuin University, International Christian University, Chuo University, Meiji University, Nihon University, and Japan Women’s University. Through the Intercollegiate Auditors Program, students can receive credits for attending lectures at these universities. This system takes advantage of our campus’ central location in Tokyo.