BU Announces International Higher Ed Partnership
Collaboration Represents “The Future of International Education”
Bellevue University (BU), one of the nation’s leaders in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, and the Westford Education Group (WEG), a leading provider of accredited international education programs, have formed a partnership to offer an international dual degree program in the United States and in the 113 countries that constitute WEG’s market.
Students who successfully complete the Master of Professional Studies from Bellevue University can apply the credits earned in their MPS program to the final stage of MBA programme of the Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), in Spain. Students who graduate will earn a dual degree from a U.S. and an accredited European university.
The new partnership bridges the gap that exists between the U.S. higher education market and students located in regions where access to American education may be limited. It also provides U.S. students access to a well-respected European institution at an affordable price. According to BU and WEG, the future of international education will be rooted in partnerships such as this one that combines affordability with accessibility.
“This is a unique model – opening the borders of education and providing opportunities for aspiring learners to benefit from two different educational perspectives and to achieve two distinct qualifications from two different continents,” said Firoz Thairinil, CEO of Westford Education Group.
“We are always eager to welcome new partnerships that benefit our learners and community,” he said, “and we are excited to partner with Bellevue University.”
“This is a unique model – opening the borders of education and providing opportunities for aspiring learners to benefit from two different educational perspectives and to achieve two distinct qualifications from two different continents.”
“It is our hope that this opportunity will help Bellevue University learners become fully prepared for the challenges of a global marketplace. Today and tomorrow’s employers need talent that understands we live in an interconnected world,” said, Dr. William Painter, Dean of the Westford Education Group.
As part of the program, Bellevue University has agreed to accept credits from the Extended Diploma in International Business and Strategy awarded by Cambridge International Qualification (CIQ), a professional awarding organization of Westford Education Group in partnership with Scottish Qualification Authority, UK for advanced placement onto the MPS degree. This recognition, already in place throughout Europe, opens the Bellevue University MPS degree up to successful international students to earn a U.S. graduate degree while they continue to work in jobs and advance their careers.
“The Bellevue University MPS program is uniquely personalized so students can combine graduate-level coursework from multiple programs and become experts in dynamic and emerging fields,” said Dr. Michelle Eppler, Dean of Bellevue University’s College of Continuing and Professional Education. “We’re thrilled to partner with WEG so students have the additional option of earning dual degree from an accredited global university.”
This program, which represents the first Bellevue University-WEG collaboration, will be delivered by Athena Global Education, a WEG education tech company of operating out of the United Kingdom and serving the UK and Europe.
About Westford Education Group (WEG)
Westford Education Group (WEG) is a leading provider of accredited international education to aspiring learners across the globe. Through nine independent brands, more than 5,000 students are experiencing world-class education. With programs serving the K-12 education market, the higher education market and sports management, Westford is quickly emerging as education leader in 113 countries around the world.
About Bellevue University
Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 57,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military-friendly and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.