April 7, 2016

In addition to the dual PhD program in biomedical engineering and other academic and research partnerships, the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems and the Med-X Research Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) will now offer a joint master’s degree in biomedical engineering.  

James Herbert, PhD, dean of the Graduate College and executive vice provost, as well as Kenneth Barbee, PhD, interim director of the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, joined Lisa Xu, PhD, dean of the Graduate School and vice president for education at SJTU, in signing the agreement between the two institutions.

A delegation from SJTU, led by Xu, visited Drexel this March following a Drexel delegation visit to China and South Korea, led by President Fry, in November of 2015, which set out to advance relationships with academic and research partners. University leaders and faculty including Herbert and Julie Mostov, PhD, senior vice provost for global initiatives, were included in President Fry’s delegation. According to Herbert, “One of the highlights of the trip was the visit to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, one of China’s leading scientific and technological universities, to cultivate new partnerships.”

Through this latest collaboration, students in the joint master’s program will spend time in both Philadelphia and Shanghai--researching and taking courses for at least a year at each university. The thesis committees of these students will include faculty representation from Drexel and SJTU and in fulfilling the degree requirements, students will earn a biomedical engineering master’s degree from both universities.

“This collaborative degree not only complements the diversity of our graduate programs but also comes at a time when global experience is more valuable than ever for students,” said Herbert. “Furthermore, Drexel and SJTU are natural partners, both being leading comprehensive research universities with an international reach and strong programs in science and technology.”

Established in 1896 as one of the first national universities in China, SJTU educates approximately 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students with a faculty of over 1,900, and offers 250 master’s degree programs.

“This agreement enhances our existing collaboration with SJTU,” said Mostov. “It may serve as a template for similar dual masters programs that are particularly attractive to students who want to amplify their academic experience with a global experience.”