Nov. 21, 2013 — The University of Utah announced a new collaborative education program with Nankai University in Tianjin, China, that will expand global partnerships in Asia. Called the 3+X program, it will provide Chinese students the opportunity to attend both universities and receive a bachelor’s degree from Nankai University and master’s degree from the U.

“We look forward to expanding this innovative partnership with Nankai University as a significant component of the reach of our Asia Center, Confucius Institute, Songdo campus and our university’s evolving focus on Asia,” said Robert Newman, dean of the College of Humanities.

Students admitted to the 3+X program will attend Nankai University for three years of study, then enter the U to complete the program. At the end of their first year at the U, students will be awarded a bachelor’s degree from Nankai University, then continue on with their master’s degree, which will be awarded by the U.

Once students are admitted into the 3+X program at Nankai University, they are still required to apply to the U to be admitted under the standard graduate admission guidelines. Students can choose from a variety of majors including finance, comparative literary and cultural studies, communication, and teaching English as a second language.

“Given Asia’s political and economic importance and the rapidly increasing number of students from Asian countries that come to Utah to study, the continent is a strong focus for global engagement at the U,” said Janet Theiss, director of the Asia Center. “Programs like 3+X are designed to build sustainable academic partnerships to foster the international goals of both sides.”

Gong Ke, president of Nankai University, and David W. Pershing, president of the U, signed the 3+X program agreement, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013 at the University of Utah to finalize the understanding. Students from Nankai University are expected to arrive at the U in fall 2015.