California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) and Alexandria University, a renowned a public university in Egypt, both recognize the importance of education in promoting global awareness and competency in the world today.
To that end, the two universities have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop a special 3 (4) + 1 + Master's program.
Cal Poly Pomona began discussing the partnership with Alexandria University in January 2020, but the agreement was prolonged due to obstacles presented by COVID-19. Accounting Professor Magdy Farag and Associate Accounting Professor Mohamed Gomaa, both alumni of Alexandria University, were part of the team that worked on developing the partnership.
“This agreement creates a great opportunity for Cal Poly Pomona to connect with one of the greatest universities in Egypt. Alexandria University’s students and faculty members will also have a wonderful opportunity to interact with Cal Poly Pomona and experience a unique polytechnic experience,” said Farag.
As part of the special program, qualified students will have the option to earn a bachelor’s degree in three or four years at Alexandria University, then complete a master's degree from Cal Poly Pomona’s Singelyn Graduate School of Business in one year. The program is administered by Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Professional and Global Education.
“Students who participate in this program are top business students in Egypt who are drawn by the possibility of being taught by our faculty and the international travel component of the programs. This program will enhance the reputation of Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Business Administration in Egypt and facilitate a number of potential research collaborations and exchange visits between the faculty members at both universities,” said Gomaa.
“Both Cal Poly Pomona and Alexandria University value experiential learning as an important and beneficial educational philosophy, and we’re thrilled to partner with them on this special program,” said Sandeep Krishnamurthy, Singelyn Family Dean of the College of Business Administration and Singelyn School of Business.
Alexandria University is one of the largest universities in Egypt, and the third university established after Cairo University and the American University in Cairo.
“Welcoming students from Egypt to Cal Poly Pomona will help diversify our student population and enhance our domestic students’ cross-cultural understanding and competence,” added Lisa Xue, director of Global Education Institute at Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Professional and Global Education.