2023

UMass Dartmouth signs first international accelerated MS degree agreement

International agreement will create an accelerated pathway for MS degree in mechanical engineering with an industrial and systems engineering option

UMass Dartmouth recently signed an agreement with NBKR Institute of Science and Technology (NBKRIST) in Vidyanagar, Andhra Pradesh, India, for an accelerated MS degree in mechanical engineering with an industrial and systems engineering option. This is the first agreement of its kind between UMass Dartmouth and an international institution of higher education.

The agreement between NBKRIST and UMassD will create a pathway for undergraduate students at NBKRIST to pursue an accelerated master's degree in mechanical engineering with an industrial and systems engineering option at UMassD. Interested students with a major in engineering or a closely related field and who have a 3.0/4.0 or better GPA will apply to the accelerated program during the spring semester of their 3rd year (junior) no later than May 1st. In consultation with the mechanical engineering graduate program director at UMassD, students will choose three online courses to complete over the course of their senior year. These courses will count toward their baccalaureate degree. Once a student successfully completes the three courses and is admitted to the UMassD master’s program, the courses will be transferred to count towards the MS program in mechanical engineering with industrial systems engineering option.

"The students of NBKRIST will be able to complete their MS degree in 12-15 months upon arriving at UMassD, against the traditional pathway of 24 months," said Vijaya Chalivendra, professor of mechanical engineering and director of graduate studies for the College of Engineering. "This agreement will help NBKRIST students to not only save time on their education, but also to save on a semester's worth of expenses for the costs of living and health insurance."

The goals of the agreement are to increase student educational opportunities, foster collaboration between the two institutions, increase student interest in each institution, and establish collegiality and communication among NBKRIST and UMassD faculty and administrators.

"We are thrilled to embark on this pioneering partnership with NBKRIST in India," said Dean of the College of Engineering Jean VanderGheynst. "This agreement signifies a significant milestone for UMass Dartmouth and exemplifies our commitment to enhancing global educational opportunities."

For more information about the accelerated MS degree in mechanical engineering with an industrial and systems engineering option, contact Dr. Vijaya Chalivendra, vchalivendra@umassd.edu.