Washington University in St. Louis has longstanding ties to Greater China and currently enrolls more than 3,500 students from this region.
Over the years, the relationship has grown to encompass numerous research projects, signature programs, student and faculty exchanges, and strategic partnerships through the McDonnell International Scholars Academy. From environmental research to global public health, we are incubating new ideas to address far-reaching global problems in many areas. Our strong partnerships and network of more than 10,000 alumni in Greater China, provide a strong foundation to build on for the future.
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Located in Shanghai, WashU’s China office organizes events, recruits students, and helps graduates find regional careers.
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At a glance
Research excellence
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Tristram R. Kidder unearths ancient lessons for modern times
Some 2,000 years ago, the Yellow River flooded, killing 23 million people and causing untold calamities. A collaboration between WashU and China’s Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology sought to discover the cause of this disaster.
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Education and outreach
Global leaders must understand and solve global problems, advance change, and help ensure positive pathways to secure, healthy environments for all walks of life. Washington University’s longstanding ties to Greater China have produced strategic partnerships that have advanced society in meaningful ways. Among them are signature academic programs that equip leaders to excel at home and abroad.
Signature degree programs
In 2002, Washington University’s Olin Business School entered a partnership with Fudan University, a collaboration that marked the first management education joint venture in China. Since then, the Executive MBA Program in Shanghai has prepared China’s top executives for global leadership positions. It has been ranked among the best programs in mainland China.
“The fact that our program continues to soar is a testament to the commitment and passion of everyone involved—students, staff and faculty,” said Markus Baer, Olin professor of organizational behavior and vice dean of executive education.”
Jingsheng (Lucy) Yang, a member of the first cohort of the Washington University School of Law dual-degree program with Fudan University Law School, graduated in May of 2020. “Through this program, not only have I learned how to think like a lawyer,” she said, “but also established a global perspective towards social and legal issues that will benefit me for the rest of my life.”
The program builds upon Fudan University’s significant role with Washington University’s McDonnell International Scholars Academy. Students in Fudan University’s Juris Master program study for one year at Fudan University, then pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) for one year at Washington University before returning to Fudan to complete their degree requirements. Additionally, faculty from both universities participate in visiting scholar and visiting professor programs through ongoing exchanges.
This dual degree program is offered by the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis in partnership with select global partner programs. Students in select graduate programs at the following universities may be eligible to apply: East China University for Sciences and Technology, Fudan University, Hebrew University, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Nankai University, Peking University, Renmin University of China and Xi’an Jiaotong University. The program is designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in global social policy.
Since 2012, the Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE) and Washington University have jointly supported more than 50 doctoral students in the Taiwan MOE-WashU Scholarship program in a range of areas such as biomedical sciences, engineering and applied sciences, and various social sciences.
Alumni of the program include scientists, educators, professionals, and historians who are making an impact in their workplaces and in communities near and far. The program structure provided by the McDonnell International Scholars Academy has played a critical role in this collaboration.
Cultural history hands-on through study of Qing-era bed
In fall of 2022, Zhao Ma presented his students with a rare, hands-on experience to study cultural history up close, from furniture assembly to 3D modeling, through his acquisition of an elaborately crafted 19th-century Chinese bed.
Alumni networks and impact
Did you know that more than 10,000 WashU alumni live in Greater China? Our networks in this region support alumni, students, families, and friends of Washington University by offering opportunities to socialize, network, and share WashU memories.
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Albert Ip helps students succeed
After a distinguished career in international banking and hospitality investing, Albert Ip, BSAMCS ’73, is devoting his time and talent to helping burnish Washington University’s brand in Hong Kong so more students there apply and benefit as he has.
More alumni of Greater China
Li-Chen Cheng
Faculty director, Brown School’s Center for Social Development
Led development of CDA policy in Asia
My goal is to take the gift of my unique legal education home and to help shape a new era of law teaching and research in China.
Chen Li, Greater China alumni and 2019 Mark S. Wrighton Award recipient
Latest news in Greater China
Explore our impact in other regions
No single map can reflect all global perspectives. The country borders on this map do not reflect the official policy of Washington University in St. Louis or any specific government.