CONTACT: Katie Knorovsky, 515-271-1834, katie.knorovsky@drake.edu
Drake University has announced an agreement with the Southwest University of Political Science and Law in Chongqing, China, that will make it possible for Southwest University students to earn a Master of Financial Management or a Master of Accounting from Drake’s
The agreement marks Drake’s first collaboration with a Chinese university that facilitates students to earn a degree from Drake and signifies yet another expansion of the University’s growing efforts to reach out to China.
Outlined in a memorandum of understanding between the two universities, the program requires students to first complete two foundation courses at Southwest. Upon admission to the graduate program, students can complete their degree requirements at Drake during a second year of study.
Danette Kenne, director of graduate and professional studies, and Tom Root, associate professor of finance, joined forces with Provost Ron Troyer and President David Maxwell to determine possible options for the program. Once the concept was documented on paper, representatives from Southwest offered feedback and helped shape the final agreement.
Kenne noted the dual benefits of both universities pooling resources. “This is an excellent opportunity,” she said. “We have the expertise to partner with them to provide the graduate program level, and it gives us a global perspective into an economy and a business environment that’s rapidly developing.”
Before students can enroll in the program, Southwest instructors teaching the prerequisite courses must first undergo approval by Drake’s College of Business and Public Administration.