Master’s thesis assessment consists of the evaluation of a thesis and final examination (oral presentation). The passing score is 70 points or above.

1. Does the student provide a well-written thesis with a clearly structured argument? (15 points)
2. Is the overall research topic of the thesis realistic and well thought-out? (15 points)
3. Does the student specify a reasonable research question(s) and support its execution with sufficient evidence? (15 points)
4. Has the student demonstrated a sufficient understanding of appropriate theories (including International Relations and Peace Studies), methods, practices, and techniques applicable to the research put forward in the thesis?  (15 points)                                                                   
5. Does the thesis show originality in the application of knowledge (i.e., theory and/or empirical evidence)? (15 points)
6. Does the student sufficiently show an ability to communicate and evaluate the research findings/results? (15 points)

1. Does the student present the research in an effective manner? (10 points)

At the end of the first semester, students select an academic advisor among SIPS faculty members teaching Seminars according to their respective research interests and topics. The students also select a sub-advisor from the remaining of full-time SIPS faculty members. These two faculty members for each student constitute a Master’s Thesis Advisory Committee.

Students submit their master’s theses by the designated period in the second semester of Year 2. Upon submission, each Master’s Thesis Advisory Committee organizes a Master’s Thesis Evaluation Committee by appointing one additional member who is selected from Soka University full-time faculty members teaching a course(s) at the graduate level or from outside of Soka University and is approved by the Dean of the School of International Peace Studies, and conducts a final examination for the submitted master’s theses.. This final examination is open to the public and conducted during the Final Examination Period in the second semester. Students make oral presentations on their theses, followed by a Q&A session with the examiners. The three examiners then meet behind closed doors to decide whether to approve the submitted theses.