NCCU IMES Strengthens Dual-Degree Collaboration with UIC College of Business
Date :
2025-12-02
Department :
International Master’s Program of Applied Economics and Social Development
【Article by IMES】
The International Master’s Program of Applied Economics and Social Development (IMES) at National Chengchi University (NCCU) invited Professor Andriy Bodnaruk, Associate Dean of the College of Business at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), to deliver a talk on Friday, November 28, 2025. Professor Bodnaruk provided an overview of recent developments in U.S. business education and offered guidance on choosing business schools that balance tuition affordability, academic quality, and strong career outcomes. The event was primarily attended by students from NCCU’s College of Social Sciences and International College of Innovation interested in pursuing graduate studies in the United States.
As interdisciplinary learning becomes a dominant trend in higher education, an increasing number of non-business majors are choosing to pursue graduate studies in business management after completing their undergraduate training. The talk drew many senior students as well as first-year students from the International College of Innovation who are proactively planning for future study abroad opportunities. Several students sought advice from Professor Bodnaruk on how to strengthen their academic and professional profiles during their remaining undergraduate years to become competitive applicants to top U.S. business schools.
Drawing on his Ukrainian heritage and international academic experience, Professor Bodnaruk encouraged students to express themselves confidently and to enhance their communication and cross-cultural skills. He also emphasized the importance of building a solid academic foundation and maintaining consistent effort, noting that such preparation would significantly enhance students’ competitiveness in the application process.
Dual-degree programs have become an increasingly important trend in global higher education. Since 2024, NCCU IMES has strengthened its collaboration with UIC’s College of Business, enabling IMES students to pursue business fields such as business analytics, finance, and MIS at UIC while receiving training in applied economics and social development at NCCU. Students can earn two master’s degrees—from NCCU and UIC—within two years.
Currently, three IMES students are enrolled in the UIC dual-degree program. In addition to paying tuition rates similar to those of domestic U.S. students, one student will serve as a teaching assistant for Professor Bodnaruk next semester and receive a TA stipend. During the talk, IMES students actively raised questions regarding campus life, safety in Chicago, scholarship and internship opportunities, and career development. Professor Bodnaruk addressed each inquiry thoroughly, helping students gather essential information for their future study-abroad decisions. The event also symbolizes the continued strengthening of dual-degree cooperation between IMES and the UIC College of Business.
During his visit, Professor Bodnaruk also met with the NCCU College of Global Banking and Finance and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize future collaboration. Although UIC has long been an institutional partner of NCCU, substantial academic exchange had previously been limited. In recent years, however, with joint efforts from UIC’s College of Business, NCCU IMES, and the College of Global Banking and Finance, bilateral cooperation has expanded significantly. More concrete and diverse forms of academic collaboration and student–faculty exchange are expected in the coming years.
The International Master’s Program of Applied Economics and Social Development (IMES) at National Chengchi University (NCCU) invited Professor Andriy Bodnaruk, Associate Dean of the College of Business at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), to deliver a talk on Friday, November 28, 2025. Professor Bodnaruk provided an overview of recent developments in U.S. business education and offered guidance on choosing business schools that balance tuition affordability, academic quality, and strong career outcomes. The event was primarily attended by students from NCCU’s College of Social Sciences and International College of Innovation interested in pursuing graduate studies in the United States.
As interdisciplinary learning becomes a dominant trend in higher education, an increasing number of non-business majors are choosing to pursue graduate studies in business management after completing their undergraduate training. The talk drew many senior students as well as first-year students from the International College of Innovation who are proactively planning for future study abroad opportunities. Several students sought advice from Professor Bodnaruk on how to strengthen their academic and professional profiles during their remaining undergraduate years to become competitive applicants to top U.S. business schools.
Drawing on his Ukrainian heritage and international academic experience, Professor Bodnaruk encouraged students to express themselves confidently and to enhance their communication and cross-cultural skills. He also emphasized the importance of building a solid academic foundation and maintaining consistent effort, noting that such preparation would significantly enhance students’ competitiveness in the application process.
Dual-degree programs have become an increasingly important trend in global higher education. Since 2024, NCCU IMES has strengthened its collaboration with UIC’s College of Business, enabling IMES students to pursue business fields such as business analytics, finance, and MIS at UIC while receiving training in applied economics and social development at NCCU. Students can earn two master’s degrees—from NCCU and UIC—within two years.
Currently, three IMES students are enrolled in the UIC dual-degree program. In addition to paying tuition rates similar to those of domestic U.S. students, one student will serve as a teaching assistant for Professor Bodnaruk next semester and receive a TA stipend. During the talk, IMES students actively raised questions regarding campus life, safety in Chicago, scholarship and internship opportunities, and career development. Professor Bodnaruk addressed each inquiry thoroughly, helping students gather essential information for their future study-abroad decisions. The event also symbolizes the continued strengthening of dual-degree cooperation between IMES and the UIC College of Business.
During his visit, Professor Bodnaruk also met with the NCCU College of Global Banking and Finance and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize future collaboration. Although UIC has long been an institutional partner of NCCU, substantial academic exchange had previously been limited. In recent years, however, with joint efforts from UIC’s College of Business, NCCU IMES, and the College of Global Banking and Finance, bilateral cooperation has expanded significantly. More concrete and diverse forms of academic collaboration and student–faculty exchange are expected in the coming years.