Studies in Social Welfare is a discipline that has systematized accumulated results in social welfare efforts in order to improve the quality of life for members of society. It is concerned with various responses to serious social problems facing the individuals, families, and communities in modern society. It exerts its efforts to fortify and innovate social systems and policies, as well as the practical involvement of individuals, families, and communities in social welfare activities. Based upon such a realization, the department cultivates students' research capabilities, encourages practical application of the acquired theoretical knowledge to the social welfare field, and prepares them to be competent specialists who are able to contribute to the development of social welfare studies. The main concern of this department is to cultivate students' analytic ability in a variety of social phenomena, based upon an appropriate combination of social theories and practices. Students who seek an M. Sc. in Sociology study the structure and fluctuation of society and social behavior of man. In the course work, students learn theories in sociology and conduct research in various social issues representing the relationship between man and society. The department not only encourages the students to develop into professional researchers, but also endeavors to transform their research capacity to the benefit of social groups including NGOs.