Department History

The Department of Education and Futures Design (DEFD) was established at Tamkang University in 2021. Prior to the establishment of the undergraduate program, the department already had three master's programs, one specialized master's program, and a doctoral program directly under the College of Education. These programs include the Graduate Institute of Education Policy and Leadership, founded in 2000, the Graduate Institute of Futures Studies, founded in 2002, the Graduate Institute of Curriculum and Instruction, founded in 2007, the Graduate Institute of Curriculum and Instruction for In-service Teachers, founded in 2012, and the Doctoral Program in Foresight for Educational Leadership and Technology Management, founded in 2013.

Currently, in addition to the undergraduate program, the department offers the Master's Program in Futures Studies, the Master's Program in Leadership for Learning and Educational Development, the Master's Program in Curriculum and Instruction, and the Doctoral Program in Foresight for Educational Leadership and Technology Management. The department provides a comprehensive range of programs from the undergraduate to the master's and doctoral levels, aiming to cultivate individuals with innovative leadership, design thinking, learning development, and interdisciplinary skills.

Features of the Department

The Department of Education and Futures Design was established in 2021 and is the first department in Taiwan to bear the name "Education and Futures Design." The department aims to cultivate professionals with forward-thinking abilities, design-thinking skills, and expertise in educational program design and management, learning design, and social design.

The department features several distinctive characteristics. Firstly, it offers small-group seminars and practical projects led by dedicated faculty members. Secondly, it provides diverse opportunities for international mobility and learning experiences. Lastly, it has established rich strategic alliances and internship programs.

Disciplinary significance

The disciplinary significance of the Department of Education and Futures Design lies in its emphasis on education and future thinking. The department aims to cultivate students' leadership abilities, learning design skills, and social design capabilities through future thinking and design thinking. Its objective is to use design to reorganize and bring about change in communities and society.

Undergraduate Program

The Department of Education and Futures Design (DEFD) aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop their futures thinking abilities, learn project design and management skills in the field of education, enhance their leadership capabilities, acquire instructional design skills, and foster skills for social design, thereby preparing them to be creative change-makers. The core program structure of the department consists of three carefully selected course types: "futures and foresight," "leadership management," and "instructional design." These courses serve as a foundation for students to embark on their journey toward becoming interdisciplinary talents and innovative change-makers. Over the course of four years, students can earn a bachelor's degree and pursue professional careers in various sectors such as education, public service, non-profit organizations, entrepreneurship, or academia.

Master's Program in Futures Studie

The DEFD Master's Program in Futures Studies is a unique academic program at Tamkang University as well as in the universities of Taiwan. The program is committed to advancing Futures Literacy and cultivating future-oriented social research. The Master's Program in Futures Studies provides comprehensive multi-disciplinary and practical education in the field of future studies. The program educates students to use a range of prominent futures methodologies in fostering an innovative mindset and proactive culture to help students realize the importance of being resilient and learn the ability to cope and live with uncertainties, thereby preparing them to be the Change Makers of society. Students graduating from the Master's Program in Futures Studies will qualify for a wide way of expert positions such as strategic planning executive, consultant, future analyst, and business development manager, and work in global corporations, education, non-profits, and governments

Master's Program in Leadership for Learning and Educational Development

The DEFD Master's Program in Leadership for Learning and Educational Development provides students with theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in educational policy, leadership, development, and future trends. Through a diverse range of coursework, internships, field-based experiences, and engagement with international society and local communities, students develop skills in educational development planning and analysis, program evaluation, leadership and management, and academic research. Graduates of the program emerge as pioneering and innovative leaders in educational policy, administration, and school education. They also contribute to the field as researchers in educational development and leadership for learning.

Master's Program in Curriculum and Instruction

The DEFD Master's Program in Curriculum and Instruction aims to equip students with the necessary skills and expertise to become effective professionals in the field of curriculum and instruction. The program offers courses that focus on developing students' abilities in various areas with a focus on global perspectives and local commitments, it includes:

1. Curriculum and instruction research

2. Curriculum design and development

3. Instructional design and implementation

4. Curriculum and instruction evaluation

5. Curriculum and instruction leadership

The specific goals of the program are to prepare students for two main career paths. Firstly, as curricular and instructional researchers in the public and education sectors, students are equipped to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field. Secondly, as professionals in curricular and instructional leadership, planning, implementation, and evaluation in schools and non-governmental organizations, students are prepared to take on leadership roles in shaping educational practices.

Doctoral Program in Foresight for Educational Leadership and Technology Management, DEFD

The DEFD's Doctoral Program, titled "Foresight for Educational Leadership and Technology Management," focuses on three key areas: "Foresight and Education Futures," "Education Policy and Leadership," and "Technology Management and Innovation." The program's objective is to develop students' skills in four key areas: organizational leadership skills, skills related to the use of technology, skills for social design, and skills for a changing world. The Doctoral Program in Foresight for Educational Leadership and Technology Management prepares graduates for impactful roles in the education public sector and entrepreneurial organizations, while also emphasizing work for the public good. Graduates of the Foresight for Educational Leadership and Technology Management program find positions in system-level leadership in nonprofit organizations, national and local departments of education, school systems, and private corporations.