Is there any difference between the master's degrees obtained through the
Dual-Degree Program and the official degrees given by the two universities?
No, there is no difference. The graduates earn two official master's degrees
after completing the dual-degree program. They are able to do this in two
years because the two universities mutually approve credits gained at the
other university.
I don't have an undergraduate degree in information science. Can I still
enroll in the Dual-Degree Program?
Yes, but you need to have previous professional experience or knowledge related to computer science and information technology. Please note that you need to meet the minimum qualifications for admission into the program.
Are all lectures given in English even at University of Hyogo?
All lectures that are approved as credits for Carnegie Mellon University will be given in English. Moreover, students conduct and submit projects and reports in English. Lectures that are approved only as the credits for University of Hyogo will be given in Japanese. Students can complete the Program without taking lectures in Japanese according to the selection of the lectures.
In order to participate in the Dual-Degree Program, applicants should have proficient English language skills and academic abilities so that they understand the lectures at Carnegie Mellon University. Successful applicants whose English language skills still need improvement for the Carnegie Mellon University courses will be reviewed their TOEFL scores and academic achievement after admission into University of Hyogo.
Applicants who fail to pass these reviews will not be allowed to attend the Carnegie Mellon University classes at University of Hyogo, or to move to the U.S. to study at Carnegie Mellon University.
The Hyogo Institute of Information Education Foundation offers support program by reimbursing all or a part of the fees for language schools (maximum amount specified) to applicants who attended language schools prior to enrollment to improve their English proficiency. The reimbursement is given after the enrollment.
Why is the tuition of Carnegie Mellon University more expensive than graduate schools in Japan?
Although the amount is more than what universities and graduate schools in Japan charge, the tuition is comparable to other private universities and graduate schools in the U.S.
For your information, the Hyogo Institute of Information Education Foundation has a unique scholarship for the Dual-Degree Program that offers financial assistance to qualified students.
The Hyogo Institute of Information Education Foundation offers interest-free loan to cover 100% of the tuition fee at Carnegie Mellon University (for a maximum three semesters; a co-signer required). Repayment of one tenth of the loan per year shall be made for 10 years after the graduation.
The Foundation also provides full or half tuition exemption scholarships.
Japanese students can also pursue the scholarship with interest that is offered by the Japan Student Services Organization for study abroad program. http://www.jasso.go.jp/saiyou/tanki_ryuugaku.html#daigakuin
In there any support for travel expense to the US or living expenses in the US?
No, the scholarship programs by the Hyogo Institute of Information Education Foundation cover the tuition fee at Carnegie Mellon University. The student is responsible for other expenses.
