SPSU and NENU Dual Degree Program

 The program is based on the 2+2 model in which students will study at NENU for the first two years of their university degree program.  They will then transfer to SPSU for the final two years of their degree program.  By prior arrangement, credit for coursework taken at NENU will be applied toward degree requirements at SPSU, and courses taken at SPSU will be accepted by
NENU.  When all degree requirements have been satisfied, students will receive two degrees, one from SPSU, and one from NENU.

In order to ensure credit for coursework taken, both universities have extensively evaluated each other's courses and degree programs.  Where necessary and possible, adjustments have been made in both programs to ensure a smooth transfer for the students.  Also, during the first two years at NENU, extra emphasis will be made on English language acquisition and skills to ensure that the students will meet or exceed the language requirement necessary to succeed in their studies at SPSU.  At the end of the program, a final project will be completed by students following their return to China.  The completion of this project in China during the end of
their final semester will prepare them for their future employment and satisfy the final requirements of the dual degree program.

In association with this collaboration, a special office has been opened for SPSU at NENU.  This will be visited at least once a month or more frequently by Professor Zhang Jin, who will serve as the SPSU representative and liaison for the program.  Professor Zhang has been
instrumental in helping facilitate the program from the beginning, and will be available for advice and counseling, oversight of records, helping students prepare for admission and transfer to SPSU, as well as answering questions students may have about the program, and their participation in the program.

Initially, the dual degree program involves English students at NENU who will also become SPSU degree students in Technical Communication.  It is anticipated that next year, a similar program will be initiated for Computer Science students at NENU who will become SPSU degree students in Computer Science, or Information Technology, or Software Engineering.  Discussions have also taken place with other departments, and it is anticipated that after these two programs begin to operate,additional majors will be added.

Both universities are excited about this program as it offers, through collaboration, previously unavailable opportunities for both universities and their students.  The Ministry of Education of the Central Government also gave their approval for this program in March 2004.  This program is one of only about 136 to have received such approval between Chinese universities and foreign universities worldwide.  It is the only such approved program in the state of Georgia (in the United States), and one of only a few such approved programs with any university in the United States.