Michigan State University has signed agreements with two leading institutes of technology in India to strengthen the intellectual infrastructure and international collaborations at all three academic institutions.
The first dual Ph.D. agreements with MSU will help India fill its growing need for more doctoral-level researchers, and allow Spartan-trained academics to gain experience at two of India’s finest technology institutes.
A team from MSU travelled to India’s Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras to sign the agreements earlier this month. MSU Executive Vice President Satish Udpa said participating students will receive dual doctoral degrees, one from MSU and one from the Indian partner institution.
“New models are needed to educate the next generation of scholars to ensure they are globally engaged,” Udpa said. “The innovative dual degree program we have launched will give an opportunity for our students to network globally through research experiences gained at the partnering institutions.”
Ph.D. students from India will study at MSU for two to three years and complete degree requirements before returning to India to finish their advanced studies. Faculty members from both institutions will serve as advisors on each student’s committee. Only one thesis will be required.
“The participating institutions have strong faculty collaborations,” said Leo Kempel, dean of MSU’s College of Engineering. “We’re confident that the dual Ph.D. students will provide the glue to unite our programs and grow research, together with industry. The talent we share will help MSU build bridges into these two acclaimed institutions of technology.”
Students in the dual-enrollment program will have access to some of the best science and technology resources and facilities in two countries. As the new Spartans begin to fill academic positions in India’s developing science infrastructure, MSU will have strengthened recruiting opportunities in India.
Faculty members at the participating institutions anticipate that Ph.D. students will begin at MSU in the 2017- 2018 academic year.