Education in Graduate School
The purpose of the Graduate School of Science and Engineering (GSSE) at the National Defense Academy (NDA) is to provide commissioned officers of the Self Defense Forces and other persons designated by the Minister of Defense with advanced theoretical and applied knowledge in science and engineering and the ability to conduct research related to these fields, which are necessary for the execution of duties in the Self Defense Forces. The GSSE consists of two courses: a preceding two-year master's course and a consecutive three-year doctoral course.
Department of Materials Science and Engineering at NDA is at the forefront of research on advanced materials with new functions. These materials, made of metals, ceramics, semiconductors, plastics, or composites, have the potential to revolutionize various industries. Our research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of their functional expression, preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. We provide educational programs on Materials Science and Technology, Materials Engineering for the master's course, and Advanced Materials Science and Engineering, Materials Engineering and Basic Sciences for the doctoral course.
At the GSSE, we believe in the importance of student-driven research. Our research themes are determined by fully reflecting the students' intentions, ensuring that their academic journey is aligned with their interests and goals. Under the guidance of our dedicated professors, who focus on cultivating their research skills, students are encouraged to make their own efforts in producing a thesis equivalent to an M.Eng. and a Ph.D. degree.
Those who meet graduation requirements at the GSSE and pass the thesis defense and examination conducted by the NIAD-QE are awarded an M.Eng. in the master's course and a Ph.D. (in Engineering) degree in the doctoral course.