Administrators from UMSL and Chonnam National University celebrate the signing of a dual degree agreement March 26 in Gwangju, South Korea. Associate Dean of Graduate and International Programs Joe Rottman (second from left) and Associate Dean Emeritus and Professor of Finance Tom Eyssell (at right) traveled to South Korea to sign the agreement and meet with Associate Dean of Chonnam National University Graduate School of Business Eun Hee Kim (at left) and Dean Hyun-Chae Park. (Photo courtesy of Chonnam National University)

The University of Missouri–St. Louis has established a partnership in Gwangju, South Korea, thanks to a new dual degree agreement with Chonnam National University.

After a memorandum of understanding signed March 26, MBA students from UMSL and CNU can spend one academic year at the sister institution while becoming degree holders from both universities.

Administrators anticipate that the student exchange can begin as early as fall 2020.

“This is a way to internationalize our curriculum because the South Korean students will bring different perspectives, different business models, a different culture,” said Joe Rottman, associate dean of graduate and international programs. “They will enrich our MBA classrooms, and the agreement presents an opportunity for UMSL students to earn an international MBA.”

UMSL will charge in-state tuition to CNU students, and CNU will offer domestic tuition to UMSL students.

CNU is also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and delivers its international MBA courses in English. Rottman notes that CNU business faculty members have impressive research records and that there is a movement among South Korean universities to internationalize curriculum.

CNU students will receive a similar experience at UMSL by learning from renowned professors and gaining a global perspective.

“When our South Korean students have a job interview, they will have a certification that is significantly more advanced than their counterparts,” Rottman said. “The graduates who want to work for global companies are going to have a Western business perspective and have exposure to a Western management style. They will be far more marketable.”

The College of Business Administration is working to develop additional dual degree partnerships across Europe.