Capital University of Economics and Business graduates first cohort of dual degree students
The University of Arizona microcampus in Beijing, in collaboration with the Department of Mathematics, recently celebrated its first cohort of graduating students.
This May, the University of Arizona celebrated a milestone— the graduation of its first cohort of students in the Data Science dual degree program with the Capital University of Economics and Business (CUEB) in Beijing. Sixty-four students earned their Bachelor of Science in Data Science from both institutions, marking not just the end of an academic journey, but the beginning of new chapters across the globe.
The ceremony itself was a first for CUEB: a U.S.-style graduation complete with caps, gowns, proud parents in attendance, faculty and student performances, and a festive reception. It was a moment of shared pride and cultural connection.
Many of the graduates are now heading to some of the world’s most prestigious graduate programs, including Columbia University, NYU, Johns Hopkins, Nanyang Technological University, and the University of Hong Kong, among others. Their success reflects the strength of the curriculum and the unique opportunities made possible by the dual degree model.
“On one hand, the double degree program has cultivated my oral English and improved my cross-cultural communication skills,” one graduate shared. “On the other hand, models such as group presentations and flipped classrooms have also laid a foundation for my future postgraduate studies.”
The CUEB-UA program is part of the University of Arizona’s global microcampus network, which allows students to earn a U.S. degree without leaving their home country- or to study abroad in Tucson for part of their degree. Courses are co-taught by faculty from both institutions, with upper-division courses in Data Science program delivered directly by University of Arizona professors, ensuring academic rigor and alignment with the main campus curriculum. Students benefit from affordable tuition, access to UArizona career services, and a curriculum designed to prepare them for global careers in data science, finance, research, analytics, and more.
“UA’s teaching is very open and non-bureaucratic,” said Lechuan Wang, a 2025 graduate. “Any bold and interesting ideas will be encouraged and supported… You will become very confident and open. You can do it.”
“By participating in global academic programs, I have realized that the differences between Chinese and foreign courses are not about superiority or inferiority, but rather about the complementarity of perspectives,” another student reflected. “Only through the combination of different learning models can we build a complete knowledge system.”
“The dual degree program has cultivated more versatile professional talents. When seeking jobs in the future, the academic background of the dual degree can enhance our competitive edge.”
Reflecting on the program’s success, “I am delighted to see our first cohort of students at CUEB graduating,” shared Department Head Doug Ulmer, “Their hard work has really paid off, and the quality of the program is underlined by the fact that many of these students will be attending world-class graduate programs in data science next year. Congratulations to the students, the teaching and advising team, and to our faculty partners at CUEB!”
As this partnership continues, the University of Arizona and CUEB remain committed to supporting students in their academic and professional goals — and to building a globally minded generation of data scientists and leaders.
To learn more about the dual degree program with CUEB, visit microcampus.arizona.edu/beijing.
This story was originally published at math.arizona.edu.