GSAPS was established in April 1998 on the Waseda Campus of Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan. GSAPS students, faculty, and alumni come from more than 50 countries, making it the university's foremost hub for international graduate education and one of Japan's most culturally diverse graduate institutes.[3]
History
In 1940, Waseda University's Koa Economic Research Institute (興亜経済研究所) established, which was later reorganized as Social Science Research Institute (社会科学研究所).[4]
In 1956, Waseda University Manufacturing Research Institute (生産研究所) was established, which was later reorganized as the Systems Science Research Institute (システム科学研究所).[4]
In 1997, Waseda University Institute of Social Science and Waseda University Institute of Systems Science were integrated into the Waseda University Asia-Pacific Research Center (アジア太平洋研究センタ).[4]
In 1998, master's program in International Relations and International Management established at Waseda University Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies (International Management major moved to Waseda University Graduate School of Commerce in 2006).[4]
In 2000, doctoral program was established at Waseda University Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies.[4]
Academic
GSAPS' core teaching and research areas are in East Asian studies and Southeast Asian studies, international relations, and international cooperation and policy studies. Research seminars and classes are organized around these three themes.[5] The School operates on a quarterly calendar, with English and Japanese classes held from April to July (Spring), August (Summer), September to January (Fall), and February (Winter).[6]
As of May 1, 2011, there are total 427 students including 283 of Master students and 144 of PHD students. 69.6% of MA students are from overseas, and 30.4% are Japanese local students. The GSA, the school's official student organization, frequently organizes social, academic, and career-related events.