The Program
Drexel offers two exchange programs with Peking University, Shenzhen in the disciplines of Business and Environemental Engineering. Designed specifically for Environmental Engineering, the dual degree program with Peking University, Shenzhen provides an amazing opportunity for students to gain substantial environmental engineering skills while studying in one of China's fastest growing cities. Peking University is widely regarded 
as one of the top universities in China. The Peking University Graduate School in Shenzhen is able to tap into the rich educational resources of the university while taking advantage of its location in a cutting edge Chinese city, critical to Chinese industry. Students will complete their first year of their Masters degree at Drexel University, gaining a solid foundation in environmental engineering before spending the second academic year at PKU-Shenzhen. This unique set-up allows students to explore environmental engineering from American and Chinese perspectives and provides ample opportunity for students to access rapidly developing new technologies in their research.
The second option available to Drexel graduate students, and in some cases strong senior undergraduate students is to participate in a term-long exchange at the Peking University HSBC Business School. This option isavailable to students in the Fall and Spring terms.
Partner Institution
Peking University Graduate School Shenzhen
Drexel students participating in the program will study in the School of Environment and Energy (SEE) at PKUSZ. The mission of the School of Environment and Energy is to address critical contemporary issues related to energy and the environment that are challenging the continued development of both China and the world, through research and education in the broad areas of renewable energy and environmental protection. Despite being a new school, SEE is able to build on the traditions and expertise of Peking University’s Environmental Science and Engineering School and take advantage of the academic and technological resources of its sister schools in Shenzhen. The school’s primary goal is to help the world build a low- or zero-carbon economy by developing new and renewable energy sources, notably biomass energy technologies. Currently, the school has about 20 faculty members and more than 110 full-time graduate students enrolled.
The school’s main laboratory, the Key Laboratory for Urban Habitat Environmental Science and Technology, consists of an Environmental Engineering Laboratory and an Environment and Health Laboratory. Based in Shenzhen, it operates within the Pearl River Delta region, which is part of the 
dynamic region of South China bordering Hong Kong. These laboratories carry out integrated research and technological development on three different scales: residences, communities and urban areas. The Lab promotes the development and construction of sustainable living environments, and also researches causes and control measures for water and air pollution in Shenzhen and the Pearl River Delta region. The Key Laboratory has outstanding achievements in the areas of urban, ecological and environmental planning and design. Additional laboratories in the low-carbon energy and related areas include the Wastewater Control and Resource Laboratory, the Atmospheric Simulation Laboratory, the Environment and Energy Information Laboratory, the Urban Waste Treatment and Utilization Laboratory, the Green Lighting Laboratory and the Environmental Bioenergy Laboratory.
Program Options
Dual Degree Option
Students who intend to earn degrees from both Drexel and PKUSZ will complete 30 credits of carefully selected engineering coursework at Drexel University working closely with an academic advisor from the Department of Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering. Part-time students could complete these credits over the course of two years. Students will then spend the next academic year at PKUSZ where they will complete 22 semester credits in the School of Environment and Energy. While coursework and research opportunities at SEE are available in English, students are encouraged to develop their Chinese langauge skills prior to their studies in China and will be required to complete Chinese language study while studying in Shenzhen. To complete degree requirements, PKU, Shenzhen requires a thesis and a research article accepted for publication by a Chinese National Core Journal or other professional journal published in English.
Term Exchange Option
Students who are unable to study in Shenzhen for an entire academic year may consider a term-long exchange where they will enroll in coursework for one semester of study at PKU-Shenzhen. Approved credits will count towards Drexel degree requirements for the Environmental Engineering degree. Due to the PKUSZ calendar, this option is only available during the Fall quarter and will require students to arrive in Shenzhen in late August and stay until early January.
The Experience
Living in Shenzhen, one of China's most rapidly developing cities, is sure to be part of your educational experience while studying at PKUSZ. The city of 10 million is in a subtropical climate in the south of China, on the border with Hong Kong. Shenzhen's great growth began with its designation as a Special Economic Zone which has resulted in major economic growth and foreign investment in the region. It is a true 21st century city with cutting edge technology and provides great access to Chinese industry.
PKUSZ is located in the University Town of Shenzhen in the Nanshan district, approximately thirty minutes from the downtown area of the city. Just over a decade old, PKUSZ has modern facilities and continues to add to its campus. On-campus housing is available to visiting students, and there are several places on campus to eat, including the very reasonably priced university dining hall. The
PKUSZ International Office is available to support students during their stay in Shenzhen and provides special activities for the many international students at the institution. In addition, PKUSZ has several student organizations that offer activities both on and off campus. Exchange students will enroll in a beginning Chinese course, offered through the International Office which will assist students in their day to day interactions in Shenzhen.
Eligibility
The exchange with PKUSZ is open to Master-level students in Envioronmental Engineering and Business or very strong undergraduate seniors (Business option only). BS/MS students may also be eligible for the program. Application requirements include a short essay, letter of recommendation, faculty interview and academic approval of courses. Accepted students will need to obtain a visa to study in China. Instructions on the visa application process will be provided to students.
