College of Business Takes MBA Program to China

The Tennessee State University College of Business has negotiated an agreement in partnership with Tianjin Polytechnic University that will allow students to receive an MBA while completing coursework in China.

“We have taken a multi-faceted approach in making our MBA program available at Tianjin Polytechnic University. It is linked to our ongoing efforts to enhance the international dimension of our academic program, support the University’s mission and offer our students a global perspective,” said Dr. Tilden Curry, dean of the TSU College of Business.

To date, the TSU College of Business has worked to position the University’s role in a tough, competitive global economy through forging educational and service learning partnerships in Ukraine, Malawi and Tunisia, developing new international courses and establishing a minor program in international business.

Now, with the MBA degree, the College will deepen its focus on international student collaborations and exchanges, faculty development abroad and increased enrollment of foreign students.

“Management graduates trained in global business practices through an American approach to management education are in great demand in China. The program will assist us in our attempt to meet the needs of companies engaged in international commerce” Curry added.  

Tianjin is China's third largest city with a population of 13 million and is only 30 minutes away from Beijing by light rail. A very commercial and heavy industrialized area, it is also China's third largest seaport and many multinational corporations have  manufacturing plants here including Motorola, LG, Samsung, Toyota and GlaxoSmithKline among others.

Qiang Wu, member of the TSU College of Business board of advisors, believes that the program is an ideal opportunity for both universities and states to strengthen ties. "I am sure the joint MBA programs will attract many Chinese students as well as TSU students who are interested in learning international trade and commerce as well as American and Chinese culture and language. This program will certainly help the graduates to find a job requiring more international experience and acknowledge," he said. Wu is president of Tianjin Newtrans Import & Export Company.

Approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) earlier this year, the program will begin offering courses in Fall 2010.