Tsinghua SEM Dual Degree in Economics Program has graduated its first class of 61 students on July, 4, 2008. The commencement was held at Shunde Building, attended by Dean Qian Yingyi, Associate Dean Zhu Yan, Chair of the Department of Economics Bai Chong-en, Vice Chair of the Department of Economics Zhong Xiaohan and Director of Office for Teaching Affairs Zhu Yujie,etc.. The ceremony was hosted by Assistant Dean Qian Xiaojun.

61 students from other departments of Tsinghua University received their second degree in economics after completing courses required by the program.5 undergraduates received their minor certificates in economics at the mean time.

Dean Qian Yingyi and Chair of the Department Bai Chong-en conferred the degree certificate for each graduate.

In his presentation at the commencement, the student representative of the Dual-Degree Class Lu Zhongjin expressed thanks to all the professors of the program on behalf of the graduates. He said, the first class of dual-degree program in economics consists of over 70 students from more than 20 departments of Tsinghua University. For the students who are eager to explore in fields of science and technology meanwhile also have great interest in social science such as economics, the dual-degree program in economics has made their curriculum for undergraduate study more balanced and reasonable,and provide them good opportunities to better recognize the world with proper guidance.

(2008 Commencement for theTsinghua SEM Dual Degree in Economics Program)

The dual-degree in economics program was launched in 2006. Since inception, it enrolled around 150 students annually from non-economics-or-management majors. The student source of the program has covered all the departments at Tsinghua that have undergraduate program (other than SEM). Students will be conferred a second bachelor degree if they accomplish all the credits and courses requirements when graduating; those who have not meet the requirements can choose to obtain a minor certificate in economics or continue to pursue the degree in economics after graduation.

The enrollment of the program of dual degree in economics is selective. Most of the students have excellent academic records in their original departments, with GPA more than 85. According to statics, among the students graduating this year, more than half choose to pursue a mater degree at Tsinghua; 1/3 choose to go to the United States for further study. Among others, 13 will study in China for master degrees in the fields of economics and management; 5 will fly to the United States to pursue master degrees in the fields of economics and finance.