Abstract

Universities face the challenge of academically preparing information technology (IT) majors to lead technology groups in contemporary global IT departments. Most graduates will need to function in an international environment that requires in-depth knowledge of multiple disciplines. A dual degree program that enables students to receive two degrees in different majors and attend schools located on different continents can provide the breadth of education required to meet current requirements. Synergy between the majors and the schools is the critical requirement for success. Integrating the correct balance of technical and business courses in different locations provides a distinct program for educating tomorrow’s global IT leaders. This paper describes a dual degree program implemented for the past three years by Tilburg University in the Netherlands, Deusto University in Spain and Bentley University in the US. In this program students earn a bachelors degree in Information Management from Tilburg and a BS in Management from Bentley. Implementation challenges as well as current technologies used to enhance the program and facilitate knowledge transfer are included.