Murray State University and Universidad EIA launch dual degree partnership in Engineering Physics with Aerospace Engineering track

 

MURRAY, Ky. — The Institute for International Studies at Murray State University has announced the signing of a new dual degree agreement with Universidad EIA in Medellín, Colombia, marking a significant milestone in the institutions’ growing academic collaboration. Developed in partnership with the Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology, the agreement establishes a dual degree pathway in Engineering Physics with an Aerospace Engineering track, expanding opportunities for internationally engaged engineering education while reinforcing academic quality and global relevance.

Building on a strong foundation of collaboration between the two institutions, this new pathway allows students from Universidad EIA to complete advanced coursework at Murray State as part of their degree program. Through this structure, students gain rigorous technical preparation while fully immersing themselves in the U.S. academic and cultural environment, an experience that enhances both professional readiness and global perspective.

The strength of the agreement is reinforced by the academic excellence and recognized institutional quality of Universidad EIA, one of Colombia’s leading engineering-focused universities. EIA holds High-Quality Institutional Accreditation under Colombia’s national accreditation framework, reflecting its sustained commitment to academic rigor, learning outcomes and continuous improvement. The university has also demonstrated exceptional performance in Colombia’s national Saber Pro examinations, consistently ranking among the top five universities nationwide in recent years, achieving second place at the national level and first place in the Antioquia region. These results underscore EIA’s effectiveness in outcome-based education and its ability to prepare graduates who compete at the highest academic levels both nationally and internationally.

The dual degree agreement is the result of a strategic academic visit to Universidad EIA by Dr. Rubén Ricardo, director of International Recruitment at Murray State, accompanied by Dr. Robert Fritz, professor of Spanish. Their visit focused on strengthening academic alignment, reviewing curricula and identifying high-impact opportunities for collaboration. These discussions culminated in a shared vision for a carefully structured dual degree that respects accreditation standards while advancing innovation in engineering education.

Dr. Jamie Rogers, director of the School of Engineering at Murray State, highlighted the mutual value of the partnership.

“The School of Engineering is excited about this agreement with EIA University and looks forward to welcoming students from EIA in our engineering courses. Not only does this partnership provide an international opportunity for EIA students, but also benefits Murray State engineering students with multicultural experiences such as working with international students on team design projects,” Rogers said.

From EIA’s perspective, the agreement represents a strategic step toward preparing globally competent engineers. Manuela Vélez Restrepo, Jefe de Internacionalización at Universidad EIA, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative. 

“Through this double degree in Aerospace Engineering, our students gain not only rigorous technical training, but also invaluable exposure to the U.S. academic and cultural environment. Developing this program with a high-quality partner such as Murray State University was essential; the academic and curricular review process confirmed a strong alignment grounded in academic rigor, excellence and a shared vision for engineering education. This partnership reflects our joint commitment to preparing globally competent engineers ready to lead in international and highly innovative contexts,” she said.

Beyond student mobility, the program promotes bilingual and bicultural engagement, faculty collaboration and shared innovation. Students benefit from enhanced academic pathways, while both universities strengthen their capacity for internationalized teaching, learning and applied research.

This agreement aligns closely with Murray State’s renewed momentum under the leadership of President Dr. Ron Patterson, reflecting the University’s strategic emphasis on global engagement, academic distinction and meaningful partnerships that deliver long-term value.

The Institute for International Studies extends its sincere appreciation to the School of Engineering, the Global Languages Program and the leadership and faculty at Universidad EIA whose vision and commitment made this initiative possible. This dual degree partnership represents not only a new academic pathway, but also a forward-looking investment in global engineering education and international collaboration.