Special Academic Programs

When you’re ready to start thinking about what to do after earning your BA, Soka has some options to explore.

Fulbright Student Advising

Apply for a grant to live and work abroad.

  • A group photo from the Fullbright Meeting

    Fulbright Student Advising

    This program provides guidance to students interested in being part of the Fulbright US Student Program, which awards grants to conduct research or teach English in more than 140 countries. Professor Sarah England is the Fulbright adviser.

The Fulbright program is the perfect opportunity for students to gain a prestigious grant that will allow them to expand on skills developed through the Soka curriculum such as carrying out research, learning about cultural diversity, engaging with communities, and investigating social issues around the world.

Sarah England, PhD | Associate Professor of Anthropology

Accelerated Master’s Degree Programs

Take courses at Soka that count toward or prepare you to earn master’s degrees at University of San Diego’s Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, The Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, and Claremont Graduate University.

  • Kroc School building

    Kroc School of Peace Studies Accelerated Degree Programs

    SUA and the University of San Diego offer students an opportunity to accelerate their studies at the Joan B. Kroc School, which offers an MA in Peace and Justice, MA in Social Innovation, or MS in Conflict Management & Resolution.

    Students enrolled in the SUA-Kroc School Accelerated Master’s Program may take up to 12 units of courses during their third and fourth years and apply those courses to both their undergraduate degree requirements at Soka University and as upper-division units required for a Kroc School master’s degree.

    Soka students are encouraged to discuss the program with their SUA academic advisor and program co-director Lisa MacLeod in their second or third year. Students in their third year at SUA should contact Kroc School admissions to learn more about each program and admission requirements.

    Learn more about the SUA / Kroc School programs

  • Two female students talk while sitting on a bench beneath a building displaying flags from various countries. Two men are walking down the steps to the side of the women talking.

    Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey

    SUA has partnered with the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey to provide Soka students with the opportunity to gain accelerated entry admission to its master’s degree program and scholarships. This significant alliance will benefit undergraduates interested in pursuing an advanced degree in international relations for years to come.

    The institute offers master’s degrees in International Policy and Development, MPA in Social Change, Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies, International Education Management, International Environmental Policy, International Trade Translation, Interpretation Translation and Localization Management, TESOL and Teaching Foreign Language.

    Learn more about the SUA / Middlebury program

  • 2019-20 Alumni Board

    CGU Accelerated Degree Programs

    For Undergraduate Students at Soka

    SUA and Claremont Graduate University offer students preferred access to accelerated degree programs in education (with optional teaching credential), international studies, business administration, psychology, and information systems and technology. In all of these tracks, students are eligible to apply in their third year at SUA. CGU waives the GRE requirement and application fees. Once admitted, students may take one to three courses at SUA that will transfer to their CGU master’s program. CGU will provide $10,000 fellowships to SUA students, and SUA will provide five $10,000 scholarships based on merit for CGU programs.

    Learn more about the Soka / CGU programs

Timelines for CGU Master's Programs

  • The 24-unit program applies theory and research to important challenges in the field of education. Concentrations are available in Educational Policy, Evaluation & Reform, Student Affairs & Educational Justice, Teaching, Learning & Culture, Educational Evaluation & Data Analysis.
  • Third Year at SUA: Be sure to have completed either SOC 100 or PSYCH 100. Schedule advising with the CGU admissions representatives and with a Soka faculty advisor. 
  • Fourth Year at SUA: Apply online by October and register for approved SUA courses for transfer. Two SUA courses can be transferred, including Developmental Psychology (PSYCH 350) and one of the following: Sociology of Education (SOC 320), Cultures of Learning (ANTH 380), Psychology of Education (PSYCH 370), or Sport Psychology (PSYCH 380). 
  • Soka faculty advisors for Education: Ryan Caldwell, Esther Chang, and James Spady.
  • CGU’s Teacher Education program allows you to work toward a preliminary credential while simultaneously earning a master’s degree. Most students complete their program in four terms.
  • Third Year at SUA: Be sure to have completed either SOC 100 or PSYCH 100. Schedule advising with the CGU admissions representatives and with a Soka faculty advisor. 
  • Fourth Year at SUA: Apply online by October and register for approved SUA courses for transfer. One SUA course can be transferred (PSYCH 350). Register in the CGU Teaching and Learning Process I Course in December. During the summer, you will join the teacher education orientation and begin full-time enrollment as a teacher education student.
  • Soka faculty advisors for Education: Ryan Caldwell, Esther Chang, and James Spady.
  • The MAIS hones your potential for employment in nonprofits, defense agencies, investment banks, and more, encouraging students to explore the link between politics and economics in the international arena and learn to use a variety of tools to apply theoretical knowledge to real international problems. Concentrations are available in International Relations, Regional Studies, and Chinese Political Economy.
  • Third Year at SUA: Schedule advising with the CGU admissions representatives and with Soka faculty advisor Ian Read.
  • Fourth Year at SUA: Apply online by October and register for approved SUA courses for transfer. Two INTS courses at the 300 or 400 level can be transferred for eight units of CGU credits. Following graduation, you will attend the new student orientation and begin full-time enrollment with 28 units remaining until degree completion.
  • Soka advisor for International Studies: Shane Barter.
  • The 48-unit program engages in theoretical and practical psychology, evaluation, and human resource scholarship to solve pressing challenges within increasingly diverse communities and organizations. Degrees are offered in Applied Social Psychology, Organizational Behavior, Evaluation & Applied Research Methods, Applied Cognitive Psychology, Positive Psychology, and Health Behavior Research.
  • Third Year at SUA: Be sure to have completed PSYCH 100. Apply online by April. Acceptance and initial academic advising for the CGU programs as well as course registration will take place in May. 
  • Fourth Year at SUA: Take three to four approved SUA courses for transfer (up to 12 credits). Following graduation,  you will attend new student orientation and begin full-time enrollment with 36 units remaining until degree completion.
  • Soka faculty advisors for Psychology: Esther Chang, Seiji Takaku.
  • The 48-unit program is offered through the Drucker School of Management and combines Peter Drucker’s classic philosophy on business with practice-based learning that puts those principles into action. Concentrations include Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain Management, and Entrepreneurship.
  • Third Year at SUA: Be sure to have completed ECON 100/INTS 100. Apply online by April. Acceptance and initial academic advising for the CGU programs as well as course registration will take place in May. 
  • Fourth Year at SUA: Take ECON 310 (Financial Economics), and eight units of CGU coursework.  Following graduation, you will attend new student orientation and begin full-time enrollment with 36 units remaining until degree completion.
  • Soka faculty advisor for the MBA: Diya Mazumder.
  • The 36-unit program teaches concepts, skills, and applications necessary to create software and systems that optimize human performance and produce positive societal change. The knowledge and skills gained in the program prepare students to work in a variety of information technology roles including database architect, software developer, cybersecurity analyst, data scientist, and IT manager.
  • Third Year at SUA: Schedule advising with the CGU admissions representatives and with a Soka faculty advisor. 
  • Fourth Year at SUA: Apply online by October and register for two approved SUA courses for transfer (up to 8 units). Following graduation, you will attend the new student orientation and begin full-time enrollment with 28 units remaining until degree completion.
  • Soka faculty advisors for Information Systems & Technology: Monika Calef and Deike Peters.

Apply to Other Graduate Schools

Guidance for continuing your education beyond a BA.

  • A professor with two students.

    Graduate Advising

    This program offers support to students interested in continuing their education after they leave SUA. Services include assistance with researching graduate schools, review of CVs and personal statements, and group workshops. You are encouraged to reach out in your first year at Soka to start developing a plan for applying to master’s programs. Professor Diya Mazumder is the graduate adviser.