Something About Company
The SWUFE-UD Institute of Data Science at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics is a joint educational institute in Chengdu, China, established in collaboration between the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE) and the University of Delaware (UD) in the United States. Approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education, the Institute began enrolling its first cohort of students in Fall 2020.
Basic Information and Programs
- Location: Liulin Campus of Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu, China.
- Programs Offered: The Institute offers three undergraduate Bachelor of Science programs, combining economics, management, and data science disciplines:
- Information Management and Information System (Management Information Systems)
- Financial Mathematics (Finance)
- Logistics Management (Operations Management)
- Enrollment: The Institute has an annual enrollment of 180 students, aiming for a total enrollment scale of 720 students (60 students for each program starting from 2020).
- Dual Degree Model: The program follows a 4+0 model with dual enrollment and dual degrees. Qualified graduates who meet the requirements of both universities are awarded degrees from both institutions: SWUFE’s Bachelor’s degree certificate and graduation certificate, and the corresponding UD’s Bachelor of Science degree certificate.
Internationalized Faculty
The Institute is supported by the academic resources of both SWUFE and the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics.
- Faculty Composition: The faculty team is internationalized and includes distinguished professors and researchers from the University of Delaware and other institutions globally.
- Curriculum Responsibility: The University of Delaware’s Lerner College is responsible for the curriculum of the joint program.
- Faculty Requirements: Chinese teachers are selected from SWUFE and must have an international outlook and high reputation. According to an agreement between the two universities, approximately 70% of the Chinese teachers are professors. The teachers are annually reviewed and accepted for teaching by a joint management committee.
- UD Faculty Involvement: UD faculty are directly involved in teaching courses at the SWUFE campus. For example, the original program design involved UD being responsible for curriculum and teaching courses at the SWUFE campus during students’ initial years. The Institute also regularly organizes events like the “Delaware Dialogue: Conversations with UD Faculty” to foster communication and a global atmosphere.
International Exchange and Student Outcomes
The Institute emphasizes an internationalized curriculum and global competency development for its students.
- International Study: While the program primarily operates under the 4+0 model, it maintains a strong focus on opportunities for further international study.
- Graduate Study Data (as of the Class of 2025 data):
- 82% of graduates chose to continue their studies (presumably for Master’s or Doctoral programs).
- Of those graduates who chose to study abroad for further studies, 70% received offers from universities ranked in the Top 30 (as ranked by U.S. News).
- Exchange Activities: The Institute actively promotes educational exchanges, including:
- “Faculty Keynote Speech” Series to provide information on overseas Master’s and Doctoral programs and enhance understanding of global education.
- Alumni Talk Series to share experiences on studying abroad and career planning.
- Hosting delegations from international partners (e.g., the University of Nottingham).
- Virtual advising from UD faculty and mentoring from program alumni are provided to enrolled students.
