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The University of Tampa (UTampa) Sykes College of Business, USA, and Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales du Nord Business School (EDHEC), France, have announced the launch of a prestigious dual degree program that allows graduate students from both institutions to earn two Master of Science (M.S.) degrees simultaneously.

This is UTampa’s first dual degree program.

Under this groundbreaking agreement, eligible students from UTampa and EDHEC will have the opportunity to pursue specialized M.S. programs — such as business analytics, cybersecurity, marketing, and information and technology management at UTampa, and global and sustainable business, finance and accounting, or creative business and social innovation, at EDHEC.

This collaborative academic initiative bridges European and U.S. business education models by mutually recognizing credit systems (ECTS and U.S. credits) and streamlining admissions by waiving standardized test and professional experience requirements for qualified students.

Thom Pittz, UTampa associate dean for International Programs, said the EDHEC–UTampa dual degree program is more than a logistical partnership — it’s a strategic alliance between two globally engaged institutions that offer complementary strengths.

“It prepares students not only to succeed across two continents but also to lead with insight, adaptability and cross-cultural competence,” Pittz said. “Students will benefit from a curriculum enriched by cross-cultural perspectives and access to faculty, resources and networks from two top-tier institutions. This makes it an exceptional opportunity for graduate business students aiming for international careers.”

Participants are expected to complete coursework at both campuses (all EDHEC’s master's programs are taught in English), as well as a thesis project and, where applicable, an internship. The program reflects both institutions’ commitments to equipping graduates with globally relevant competencies in innovation, ethics, sustainability and digital transformation.

Enrollment is limited annually to six students from each university, beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year.

EDHEC, one of France’s elite “grandes écoles,” is triple-accredited and is one of Europe’s most prominent and internationally recognized business schools, known for its academic excellence, strong industry ties and global orientation. Every year, EDHEC welcomes close to 700 international exchange students to its campuses in Lille and Nice.

“We’re proud to team up with top international schools like UTampa to give our students world-class business education and exciting study abroad options,” said Richard Perrin, associate dean for International Relations at EDHEC. “A double degree with a respected U.S. partner like UTampa gives our students a real edge and a head start on global careers.”

The Sykes College of Business at UTampa is a flagship institution accredited by the AACSB and stands among the nation’s most forward-thinking business schools, producing graduates who are not only technically proficient but also visionary and socially conscious.

Frank Ghannadian, dean of the Sykes College of Business, said he is “happy to invite students from across the Atlantic to come to the Sykes College of Business, and for Sykes students to have the opportunity to earn a dual degree from a great business school partner like EDHEC.”