Wayne State and American University of Kurdistan establish 2+2 joint engineering degree programs

Wayne State University recently reached an agreement with the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) to offer joint degrees in five of Wayne State's programs within the College of Engineering.

This initiative will operate akin to a 2+2 program. AUK students will be able to take basic engineering courses at their home university before coming to the U.S. to complete their last two years at Wayne State and earn a bachelor's in either chemical, civil, computer or mechanical engineering. Graduate students can pursue a master's in data science and business analytics through this partnership as well.

"Our international collaborations are key elements to sustaining a vibrant environment of learning and discovery at Wayne State, preparing students to embark on successful careers all over the globe," said Farshad Fotouhi, dean of the WSU College of Engineering. "This relationship will mutually benefit students from both institutions and help expand access to diverse cultures and world-class education."

The American University of Kurdistan was founded in 2014 in Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It offers bachelor of science degrees in architectural, petroleum, and electronic and telecommunication engineering.

Such joint degrees offer the opportunity to develop practical and industry-relevant training while tapping into the resources and networks of each university, bridging geographical, cultural and professional gaps. For instance, AUK students studying petroleum engineering bring a unique perspective to the Wayne State students and faculty in chemical engineering, and vice versa.

"The partnership between AUK and WSU will spawn the seeds of many initiatives that would lead to academic excellence and achieving core academic missions," said Honar Issa, secretary of AUK's Board of Trustees. "Such partnership will support the economy of local communities and consequently the betterment of people's lives as one of AUK's social responsibilities."

Students can enter this program, subject to all admissions policies and standards, beginning in the fall of 2020.