Entrepreneur Deepak Kant Vyas (at left), UMSL Chancellor Tom George (center) and Osmania University Vice Chancellor S. Ramachandram pose last May for a photo after signing documents committing to a partnership between the two universities. The two institutions now are set to launch dual degree programs in chemistry, computer science, communication and business beginning in June. (Photo by August Jennewein)

The budding partnership between the University of Missouri–St. Louis and Osmania University is attracting attention in India with news that the two schools will begin offering dual degree programs in June.

The Hindu, Greater Kashmir and Telangana Today were among the news outlets to run stories about the announcement, which came after a video conference Sunday between Osmania University Vice Chancellor S. Ramachandram, Consul General of India–Chicago Neeta Bhushan, Indian American entrepreneur Deepak Kant Vyas and UMSL Chancellor Tom George as well as Joel Glassman, the academic director of International Studies and Programs.

Ramachandram had previously visited UMSL last May.

The partnership will begin with four degree programs: an MS in chemistry with three years at Osmania University and two years at UMSL, an MS in computer science with four years at OU and one year at UMSL; an MA in communication with one year each at OU and UMSL and a two-year MBA program with one year each at OU and UMSL.

A total of 40 students from the university in Hyderabad, India – 10 in each program – are expected to participate and have the opportunity to study at UMSL. Ramachandram told Telangana Today that they would be selected based on merit and they would get subsidized tuition fees at UMSL.

“The new programs will help students get international exposure,” Ramachandram told the newspaper. “The OU alumni association has extended its support for the courses.”

There remains interest in UMSL bringing courses in criminology and criminal justice as well as optometry to Osmania University.

Media coverage
The Hindu
Greater Kashmir
Telangana Today