One feature of the Master's program is that many choices are available which are compatible with the student's interests and backgrounds. For instance, arranging the fields of language studies organically, many types of research are available, such as "theoretical and descriptive works on languages", "theory of acquisition of a mother tongue and foreign language, and the method of teaching language" and "theory and practice regarding communication, and significant aspects of language proficiency". The goal is not just to review existing studies, but also to enhance the ability to do further research voluntarily and creatively. Thus, the direction as to how to do research for a master's thesis is emphasized. In small classes, students are first given a solid foundation on which to base their research and are then encouraged to proceed by themselves.

Since 1998, a new system was started to meet needs in various fields which students majored in. Accordingly, students can enroll in various classes and get a master's degree by writing a research report instead of a master's thesis. Students can specialize in a major field by acquiring expertise.

The Master's program offers two majors: English and Japanese linguistics. The former provides courses in English linguistics, English pedagogy, and English communication studies. The latter provides courses in Japanese linguistics, and Japanese pedagogy. The field of linguistics research is regarded as an area of separate grammar research based on Universal Grammar. Therefore, contrastive linguistics is also important as one of the pillars and the comparative research is conducted among the Japanese, English, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean languages. The results of the research can immediately be applied to teaching Japanese to native speakers of English, Spanish, Chinese and Korean.

The basic knowledge of linguistic communication is indispensable to education of skills and proficiency in language. While the necessity to enhance communication skills has been emphasized in English education in both junior high and high schools, there is no program what deals with communication theories as a part of foreign language pedagogy except for the course of Language Science. Special curriculum is provided that would be useful for teaching English in junior high and senior high schools. Moreover, the theory of intercultural communication plays a significant role in organized comparative studies of various world cultures, something that is urgently required now, as well as comparative linguistics.

1. Master's Program "Division of English Linguistics and Pedagogy"

(1) Course of English Linguistics
We research the structural characteristics of Modern English within the framework of advanced language theory and seek the universality of human language through comparative research with other languages including Japanese.

(2) Course of English Pedagogy
Through high-level research on learning and teaching methods of English, we develop the ability to give creative lessons that develop communication skills.

(3) Course of English Communication Studies
Studying the practice of English communication on the basis of communication theory, we do theoretical, verifying research on the practical side of intercultural communication.

2. Master's Program "Division of Japanese Linguistics and Pedagogy"

(1) Course of Japanese Linguistics
We do logical and scientific research on the universality and diversity of Japanese, compared to other languages, and collect and analyze wide ranging data through field work.

(2) Course of Japanese Pedagogy
We research about the knowledge and skills needed to teach Japanese efficiently to non native Japanese speakers.