Presidency University has established a partnership with Virginia Tech University to offer a coordinated two-year curriculum starting in August 2025. This unique program allows students to spend one year at PU and the following year at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia, where they will complete 18 credits.

This dual degree program offers an exceptional opportunity for students to gain a comprehensive understanding of economics while enhancing their analytical skills, preparing them for successful careers in academia, industry, and policy-making. With the combined strengths of Presidency University and Virginia Tech University, this program represents a significant step toward academic and professional excellence.

• Curriculum Focus: The program integrates modern data techniques with economic theory, addressing industry-relevant questions through advanced topics such as big data economics, computational finance, business forecasting, and behavioural economics.

• STEM Certified Degree: Graduates will earn a STEM-certified M.A. in Economics from Virginia Tech University, granting them a three-year work permit in the U.S. under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.

• Ph.D. Preparation: Students aiming for a Ph.D. in Economics can take a variety of elective courses at the doctoral level.

• Application process: The students should declare their interest to join the program during their second semester at Presidency University.  A faculty coordinator will be appointed for this purpose. The Department will prepare a list and share it with Virginia Tech University.  The interested students will be interviewed and a shortlist of students to be admitted will be generated. Virginia Tech University will let the students know that they will admit the selected students if they formally apply.  Next, the students will apply officially to Virginia Tech University (through the link provided on the department web). The students can write to the graduate secretary or Prof. Niloy Bose if any help is needed in navigating the formal admission process. 

• Eligibility condition: Students must complete at three out of the following five papers: Advanced Microeconomics I (ECON701), Advanced Macroeconomics (ECON0702), Econometric Methods (ECON00704), Advanced Microeconomics II (ECON0801) and Advanced Econometrics (ECON0803) with a grade equivalent of B, or better.

• Credit Transfer: Upon completion of the first semester at Presidency University, students may apply to Virginia Tech University. A total of 12 credits will be transferred from PU, provided students earn a minimum grade of B (or equivalent) in eligible courses.

• Application Requirements: Applicants do not need to submit GRE scores but must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores for admission. Applications will be reviewed by a joint board from both universities.

• Note: The above conditions hold for the students graduating in 2025, 2026 and 2027. Necessary revisions to these conditions will be made for students enrolled in the Under Graduate courses after the introduction of the National Education Policy.

Students accepted into the program will be responsible for tuition and other applicable fees set by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors for their second year.