Faculty of Economics

About Faculty of Economics

The Faculty of Economics at Keio University is located in Tokyo, Japan. As an integral component of Keio University, one of the oldest and largest private higher education institutions in the country, the faculty operates primarily out of the Mita Campus in Minato, Tokyo. The history of economics education at the institution dates back to 1890, when the Department of Economics was established within the university. Since its formal reorganization into the Faculty of Economics in 1920, it has functioned as a central academic body dedicated to the study of economic theory, history, and policy.

The academic structure of the faculty is divided into two primary disciplines: the Department of Economics and the Department of Economics (PEARL program). The curriculum is designed to provide students with a foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. Beyond these core areas, the faculty offers specialized courses in economic history, public finance, international economics, and labor economics. The PEARL program, specifically, is an English-medium degree program that allows international and domestic students to complete their undergraduate studies with a focus on global economic perspectives.

Campus facilities at the Mita Campus reflect the integration of historical architecture and modern academic infrastructure. Students have access to the Keio University Library, which houses an extensive collection of economic literature, historical manuscripts, and digital databases. The campus also includes seminar rooms, computer laboratories equipped with statistical software for quantitative analysis, and collaborative research spaces. These facilities are maintained to support both undergraduate coursework and the independent research projects conducted by faculty members and students.

The Faculty of Economics operates under the institutional accreditation of the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). As a constituent part of Keio University, the faculty adheres to the rigorous academic standards and internal quality assurance mechanisms set by the university. While the faculty does not seek individual accreditation from bodies like NAAC or NBA, which are specific to other national systems, it participates in periodic university-wide evaluations and adheres to the standards set by the Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA).

Academic strengths of the faculty include a focus on quantitative research and data-driven economic analysis. The faculty maintains several research centers, such as the Keio Economic Observatory, which facilitates empirical studies on Japanese and global economic trends. The research output of the faculty typically spans topics such as health economics, development economics, and social security policy. These research activities are integrated into the classroom experience, providing students with exposure to ongoing academic inquiries and contemporary economic debates.

The faculty emphasizes a structured approach to undergraduate education that progresses from introductory theory to advanced research seminars. In the later years of the program, students are required to participate in "zemi" or seminar groups, which are small-group classes led by faculty members focusing on specialized topics. This pedagogical model is common in Japanese higher education and is designed to foster critical thinking, academic writing skills, and the ability to conduct original research. Students are expected to produce a graduation thesis as a culmination of their studies.

International cooperation is a significant aspect of the faculty's operations. The Faculty of Economics maintains student exchange agreements with numerous universities across North America, Europe, and Asia. These partnerships allow for the mobility of students and researchers, contributing to the internationalization of the faculty’s academic environment. By facilitating cross-border research and academic exchange, the faculty aims to align its curriculum with global standards in economic education and research practice.

The organizational structure of the Faculty of Economics is governed by the university’s administrative framework, which ensures consistency in faculty hiring, curriculum development, and student services. As a public-interest corporation, Keio University provides the necessary governance to oversee the faculty's adherence to legal and academic regulations. The faculty remains a primary site for the training of economists, policy analysts, and business professionals in Japan, maintaining a consistent focus on the systematic study of economic systems and their societal impacts.