Welcome to Shizuoka University’s Faculty of Informatics, the first of its kind at a Japanese national university. Central to our philosophy is a commitment to integrating humanities and engineering, an approach that is highly relevant in modern society, which increasingly demands connections between informatics outputs and wider society. On this page, we will explain the core concepts behind the Faculty of Informatics and look at what it can offer from a range of perspectives.
The First Faculty of Informatics at a Japanese National University
The First Faculty of Informatics to be established at a National University in Japan
Established in 1995, the Faculty of Informatics at Shizuoka University holds the distinction of being the first Faculty of Informatics at a national university in Japan. It was founded with a vision of integrating humanities and engineering, a concept that has shaped its identity and curriculum. Initially the faculty had two departments: the Department of Computer Science, focusing on engineering, and the Department of Socio-Information Studies, emphasizing humanities. The Faculty’s longstanding approach to the integration of humanities and engineering has been at the forefront of informatics education, preparing students for a future where interdisciplinary skills are paramount. In 2016, the faculty expanded its offerings with the establishment of the Department of Behavior Informatics, further enriching the academic landscape. Today, the Faculty of Informatics proudly comprises three departments: the Department of Computer Science, the Department of Behavior Informatics, and the Department of Socio-Information Studies. Each of these offers unique perspectives and opportunities for students.
Preparing Future Leaders for the Information Society through the Integration of Humanities and Engineering
Our three departments specialize respectively in computer science, information service design, and information society design, while also collaborating to offer a comprehensive education in informatics. The Department of Computer Science focuses on technology, equipping students with a thorough understanding of the technical aspects of informatics. The Department of Behavior Informatics delves into data and services, teaching students how to analyze and utilize data effectively. Finally, The Department of Socio-Information Studies explores informatics from a societal perspective, emphasizing the impact of technology on people and society. By integrating the humanities and engineering fields, our faculty develops professionals with a diverse range of skills who are equipped to be leaders in an advanced information society.
Departments at the Faculty of Informatics
Study cutting-edge technology at the Department of Computer Science
Explore the latest cutting-edge technology including AI and IoT, ICT and mathematics, and intelligence and cognition studies.
Study data and service design at the Department of Behavior Informatics
Gain data science and information management skills for strategically constructing information systems for the modern era.
Study society design and media analysis at the Department of Socio-Information Studies
Explore socio-information design through research and analysis of information-based media such as social media and social communities.
Diversified Entrance Examinations
Humanities-focused entrance examinations can be taken for the Department of Socio-Information Studies and the Department of Behavioral Informatics
In the General Selection: First Round Examination, a student can take either the science-focused exam (for entry into The Department of Computer Science or Behavioral Informatics) or the humanities-focuses exam (for entry into the Department of Socio-Information Studies or Behavioral Informatics).
- General Selection with integrated subjects combining Modern Japanese Literature B, Mathematics I, and Mathematics B (First Round Examination, Department of Behavioral Informatics)
- General Selection with a high weighting of scores from the Common Test (Second Round Examination, Department of Computer Science)
- General Selection with a high weighting of individual academic achievement test results (Second Round Examination, Department of Socio-Information Studies)
Additional options included recommendation exams and comprehensive exams
- Recommendation exams that evaluate academic ability, character, ability, and aptitude (All departments)
- Comprehensive exams for high school students from specialized and comprehensive departments (Department of Computer Science)
A Remarkable International Exchange
Global Connectivity: Exchange Agreements with 97 Universities and Research Institutions in 31 Countries
Discover Our Global Network: Shizuoka University’s Commitment to International Exchange Shizuoka University is deeply committed to fostering global connections through education and research. As of 2024, the university boasts exchange agreements with 97 prestigious universities and research institutions across 31 countries in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. These partnerships are pivotal in promoting the internationalization of our education and research endeavors.
Moreover, Shizuoka University offers short-term summer study abroad programs in the United States, Canada, and South Korea. These programs not only provide valuable academic credits but also offer students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, further enhancing their global perspectives.
Embark on Global Collaborations: The International Laboratory Exchange Program
Our university offers an exciting opportunity for students to engage in laboratory-based exchanges with prestigious overseas universities. Through our Overseas Laboratory Exchange Program, you can collaborate with international laboratories, gaining valuable hands-on experience and expanding your academic horizons.
