Evaluation Criteria for M.A. Thesis
I.

Appropriateness of research objectives/themes/title/subtitle/etc.
1.

Research objectives are clearly defined and the title reflects the contents of thesis.

2.

Research themes are in line with research objectives/contents and are original.

II. Appropriateness, adequacy, and originality of research questions, methods, analysis, andconclusion.
3.

Research questions are appropriate

4.

Research framework and methods are appropriate and effective, drawing upon theexisting literature.

5.

Research demonstrates originality and contribution to the field.

III. Appropriateness of the organization of thesis, consistency of arguments and conclusions
6.

Organizational structure is appropriate for the research objectives and logicallyconsistent.

7.

Concepts, theories, and special terminology are clearly defined and understood.

8.

Necessary materials, data, and literature are appropriately shown and analyzed.

9.

Conclusions are drawn from adequate evidence.

IV. Clarity and appropriateness of arguments and expressions
10. The main arguments are clear and easy to understand11. Expressions are appropriate and research objectives are easily understood.
V.

Appropriateness of format, citations, bibliography
12. Format is appropriate as an M.A. thesis, with adequate notes, citations, andreferences.

Evaluation Criteria for Ph.D. Dissertation
I.

Appropriateness of research objectives/themes/title/subtitle/etc.
1. Research objectives are clearly defined and the title reflects the contents of thesis.
2. Research themes are in line with research objectives/contents and are original.

II.

Appropriateness, adequacy, and originality of research questions, methods, analysis, andconclusion.
3. Research questions are appropriate
4. Research framework and methods are appropriate and effective, drawing upon theexisting literature.
5. Research demonstrates originality and contribution to the field.

III. Appropriateness of the organization of thesis, consistency of arguments and conclusions
6. Organizational structure is appropriate for the research objectives and logicallyconsistent.

7. Concepts, theories, and special terminology are clearly defined and understood.
8. Necessary materials, data, and literature are appropriately shown and analyzed.
9. Conclusions are drawn from adequate evidence.
IV. Clarity and appropriateness of arguments and expressions
10. The main arguments are clear and easy to understand11. Expressions are appropriate and research objectives are easily understood.
V.

Appropriateness of format, citations, bibliography
12. Format is appropriate as an M.A. thesis, with adequate notes, citations, andreferences.

Examination Committee for M.A. thesis
Dean of the graduate school will appoint at least two faculty members as thesis examiners.
The examiners will form an examination committee. In addition, the dean can appoint
individuals from other graduate schools within the university or from other universities to theexamination committee. In such a case, the dean must obtain permission from the university
president.
Examination Committee for Ph.D. dissertation
Dean of the graduate school will appoint at least three faculty members as dissertation
examiners. The examiners will form an examination committee. In addition, the dean can
appoint individuals from other graduate schools within the university or from other university
to the examination committee. In such a case, the dean must obtain permission from theuniversity president.
Requirements for Graduation
1. ＜For a master’s degree＞ Enrollment in the program for at least 2 years, completion of
32 credits or more of course work, and successful completion of an M.A. thesis (including
oral defense).
2. Students with exceptional academic record may graduate in less than two years.
3. ＜For a doctoral degree＞ Completion of 20 credits or more of course work, passing of
the thesis qualifying examination, and successful completion of Ph.D. dissertation(including oral defense).
Degree Conferred
Master of Arts in Economics/Doctor of Philosophy in Economics