California State Fullerton University will work together with China's Fudan University in Master of Science education, university officials said on Friday (Mar 30).

The agreement on the program signed by the two universities is the first of its kind, said the officials.

"Fudan's students will be coming here because they want to earn a master's degree so they can go back and work as leaders in education in China," said Milton Gordon, Fullerton's President, calling the agreement a "win-win" deal.

Fudan Chancellor Qin Shaode said the program "is going to expand Fullerton's resources to our students in China."

The master's program, with a focus on educational administration, will begin next spring, said Louise Adler, a professor of educational leadership at Fullerton.

Up to 24 English-proficient students from Fudan will study at Fullerton for six months, taking 18 of the 30-unit degree program.

Students will complete the remaining units in their homeland, including conducting field research for their Master degree projects.

"These students from China complete the same program as their American counterparts and will receive a Cal. State Fullerton degree," Adler said.

Faculty members of Fullerton will travel to China to give courses, administer final grades and attend graduation ceremonies, Adler said, noting Fudan will fully fund the program for its students.

"Fudan doesn't have the infrastructure to provide this degree, but by partnering with our university, it will help them to meet the needs of their students," Adler said.

"Also, our faculty will be able to learn more about China's culture and educational system and can share this knowledge and experience with students and others here."

Fudan, located in China's Shanghai, is a famous university in the country.

Editor: Wing