TROY -- Six Chinese universities have signed partnership agreements with Troy University’s 1-2-1 Sino-American Joint Degree Program, boosting the total to 22 universities participating the program.

Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. signed the agreements with Chengdu University of Information Technology, Lanzhou University of Technology, Chongqing University,

Chang'an University, Communication University of China, and Chongqing Normal University during the program’s commencement activities in Xi’an, China earlier this month.

“It’s always exciting to see these students graduate, but the most important aspect of the 1-2-1 Program is that it exposes our students – both Chinese and American – to today’s global business environment,” Hawkins said. “Our 1-2-1 Program is the benchmark other Universities follow, and it affords all our students with a richness and depth in their education they otherwise would not have.”

The program allows Troy University students from China to study their first year in China, spend their sophomore and junior years in Troy and then return home to complete their studies. The program, officially called the 1-2-1 Sino-American Joint Degree Program, began in the United States in 2001, with 40 students traveling to Troy.

“For graduates to be competitive in today’s marketplace, it’s essential they have an international perspective. At Troy University, they are getting that experience,” Hawkins said.

Twenty students from eight partner universities received bachelor’s degrees in business, music, computer science and communications arts and two students received master of business administration degrees during this year’s commencement in Xi’an.

About 55 new Chinese students will be attending the University this fall on the Troy Campus, said Dr. Curtis Porter, dean of the University’s international program. They will join second-year 1-2-1 students and others from about 60 nations on campus. Porter said the total number of first-time international students for the upcoming fall semester would be about 250.