The University of North Carolina (UNC) and Tsinghua University have launched a dual-degree executive MBA program in China.
The dual-degree focuses on business and engineering subjects. Tuition for the 20-month program is $60,000, which does not include residency costs.
The program also includes global residencies in the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, and the U.S.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will receive an MBA from UNC's Kenan-Flagler Business School and Master of Engineering Management from Tsinghua's Department of Industrial Engineering.
The program was launched in China to help executives gain both leadership skills and technical knowledge.
As a result, this dual-degree program marks first such partnership between a Chinese industrial engineering department and a U.S. business school.
"We are honored to collaborate with Tsinghua University, to offer a new model for preparing executives in China to lead their global businesses," James W. Dean Jr., dean of UNC Kenan-Flagler said.
Professor Zheng Li, director of the Department of Industrial Engineering of Tsinghua University said that China is the top manufacturer in the world and therefore requires its business leaders to acquire global views, cutting-edge thinking, and strong management concepts and approaches.
Twenty four executives from state-owned enterprises and private companies across 15 cities attended the first class held in October. They have an average of 19 years of work experience.
The program was developed by UNC professor Noel Greis and Tsinghua professor Cai Linning.
Jayashankar M. Swaminathan, associate dean of the UNC Tsinghua EMBA Program said that China is not finished changing, and this is an exciting time to offer a program that meets a market need there.
For engineering classes in the dual-degree program, executives will travel to Beijing one weekend per month, while the business classes will be held in Chapel Hill in two 16-day sessions.
