MIDS

The Faculty of International Data Science in Musashino University's Distance Learning Division (planned for establishment in 2026) will provide programs for developing global data scientists and for re-skilling professionals, based on the core research experience-linked learning platform of the Faculty of Data Science. Furthermore, it will promote international and industry-academia collaboration through cooperation with the Asia AI Institute.

Faculty of International Data Science, School of Distance Learning, Musashino University

* Under Development to Establish in 2026

Faculty of International Data Science, School of Distance Learning, MIDS, at Musashino University (application for establishment pending) aims to cultivate creative individuals who will take the lead in identifying issues with a broad social and international perspective, leveraging data science knowledge and technology across multiple fields targeting natural and social environments, and creating technical and economic value through the use of artificial intelligence and big data analysis. In addition, we aim to nurture human resources who will take the lead in international creative activities that discover global issues and solve them or create value by utilizing artificial intelligence and big data analysis with a broad international perspective. Furthermore, we aim to nurture human resources who will take the lead in creative activities that utilize knowledge and technology in data science to create technical and economic value in an increasingly complex social environment.

This faculty has established Asia AI Institute, AAII, which aims to promote international collaboration and industry-academia collaboration, with all faculty members participating. Here, research activities based on the innovative concept of ‘incorporating human activities into system architecture’ are being promoted. A major advantage of participating in AAII is that students can gain practical experience in cutting-edge research activities (both remote and face-to-face participation is possible).

Faculty of Data Science, MUDS, and AAII share six core skills in data science: 1) Python programming, 2) creation and utilization of AI applications, 3) knowledge base design (SQL), 4) generative AI techniques, 5) evaluation metrics, and 6) AI dataset creation. We widely publish the research outcomes achieved through these skills on an international scale.

MUDS, MIDS, and Graduate School of Data Science at Musashino University, along with AAII, aim to cultivate and lead creative activities that address challenges and create value through the use of artificial intelligence and big data analysis.

Hilights

The distinctive feature of MIDS is, first and foremost, the transition of the educational and research activities of MUDS, which has traditionally been based on commuting to campus, to the cyberspace as much as possible. Therefore, the research experience-linked learning and three courses that have been the hallmarks of this department will be expanded into the cyber space using various tools, and research and educational activities will be conducted in the newly established cyber classrooms. By leveraging mechanisms such as recording and live streaming, we will create a flexible learning environment that accommodates students with diverse lifestyles and circumstances, regardless of location or lifestyle. Furthermore, the research experiences conducted at AAII are hybrid learning experiences that are provided not only in the cyber space but also in the real world. This fundamentally distinguishes our programme from traditional distance education or universities that operate solely in the cyberspace.

Second, we will offer a comprehensive programme, including master's courses, for domestic students, international students, and working students. The duration of the programme will vary depending on the credits already earned, but it will be possible to obtain a bachelor's degree and master's degree in data science in as little as two years (for students entering with a bachelor's degree).

Third, by using a multilingual system equipped with the latest machine translation technology, we will realize an international research and educational environment that transcends national and linguistic boundaries. Specifically, we will implement double degree programmes in collaboration with the curricula of other universities overseas.

Fourth, by utilizing the bachelor's degree admission system, we will enable working adults to study while continuing to work. Here, we envisage the utilization of this system as a reskilling programme for data science personnel in companies and other organizations.

* The installation plan is tentative and subject to change.

Expected Career

Graduates of MUDS, which shares a common curriculum with MIDS, have a wide range of career paths. According to 2024 data, 83% of graduates are employed, with 48% working in information and communication services-related companies. While graduates pursue diverse career paths, 12% continue their research in graduate school.

Testimonials by the Graduates

  • Mr. Hiroyuki Morimoto

    Fujitsu Limited, Master's Degree Completed in 2024

    I started with the question, ‘What is research, anyway?’ But as I observed the professors enjoying their research and sharing their findings, I gradually began to understand what research is all about. The process of turning ideas into reality, the challenges and excitement of successfully creating something—these experiences made research increasingly enjoyable for me. Ultimately, I was able to present my findings at an international conference and compile my research results in a short period of time. All the experiences over the two years, such as balancing work and family life while studying, will serve as a foundation for my future endeavours.

    Regarding the company, I believe that my graduate school experience can serve as an example of reskilling activities, inspiring and encouraging my colleagues. By sharing a mindset of embracing new challenges within the company and increasing the number of employees who take on such challenges, I believe this can be seen as the outcome of what was learned in graduate school. In the future, I aim to contribute to the company through research outcomes and by pursuing research to its fullest extent.

  • Miss Tsukasa Fukuda

    CDP Worldwide-Japan, Master's programme graduate, 2023

    Data science is often perceived as covering a wide range of fields, but this graduate programme truly offers a comprehensive education, covering various programming languages and system construction methods. It also covers the fundamentals of data science typically taught at the undergraduate level, providing a diverse array of lectures that span from foundational to research-level content. Although I transferred from another field, I was able to conduct two years of fulfilling research, culminating in a presentation at an international conference. I strongly feel that the knowledge gained here has directly contributed to my post-graduation career at an NGO focused on natural environments, and I believe this experience will be valuable across various industries.

    As is obvious, data is used to make decisions in society, and data science has infinite applications. The perspectives gained in this graduate school for examining social issues from multiple angles, logical thinking, and programming knowledge to implement these ideas have made me realize the practical applications of data science in addressing real-world challenges.

Let's begin world-leading data science research together!