Debrecen4U May 16, 2025

Debrecen University decides to establish an American double degree

The signing of the dual degree agreement on Thursday was attended by the Rector of the University of South Dakota and the Interim Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States of America.

“The University of Debrecen works in cooperation systems, but there are partnerships whose impact is decisive for the future. One such partnership is the cooperation between the University of Debrecen (UD) and South Dakota State University (SDSU). This is the opening of an era, a very important milestone, not only for the University of Debrecen, but also for our country. It is a particular pleasure that we can conclude this cooperation in one of the strategic areas of our institution, in support of agricultural science. I believe that our institutions can learn a lot from each other and we can do a lot to solve the global challenges of agriculture” Zoltán Szilvássy said upon signing the cooperation agreement. The rector of the University of Debrecen added that negotiations have begun in several areas.

The Faculty of Agriculture, Food Science and Environmental Management of the University of Debrecen launched the BSc degree programme in precision agricultural engineering in 2023, which is unique not only in Hungary but also in Europe. The specialty of the training is that it is entirely based on precision agricultural technologies. The programme has accreditation in both Hungarian and English.

According to President of South Dakota State University Dennis Hedge the cooperation provides a good basis for the further development of a new sector of agriculture.

“Precision agriculture, which maximizes production and makes the future sustainable, will play an even greater role in the coming period. Good practices, data-based, Big Data and robotics-supported agricultural technology are all elements of our cooperation, which we will raise to the highest level. Our students and teachers will be mutually enriched by our partnership, as new perspectives open up before them, which lead to innovations and new discoveries. I believe that this is our first joint celebration, which will be followed by many more,” he said.

According to Vice President for Sector Development responsible for the development of agricultural and food sciences at the University of Debrecen Endre Harsány, “The cooperation between the University of Debrecen and South Dakota State University in the field of a joint degree in precision agriculture is not only of outstanding scientific and educational significance, but also a common, forward-looking response to global challenges.”

“This cooperation includes everything we expect from higher education and research in the 21st century: internationality, innovation, practice orientation and a commitment to sustainability. The future of agriculture depends on how we can use the technologies available to us efficiently, wisely and responsibly. And universities have a key role in this process, and especially those students who are still studying today but will be making decisions tomorrow. This cooperation gives them the opportunity to combine the knowledge of two continents and become the agricultural leaders of the future,” he emphasised.

Speaking about the challenges of agriculture, Vice President of the Parliament István Jakab highlighted the importance of cross-border partnership cooperation. 

As he said,“During precision agricultural engineering training, our students not only acquire specialist knowledge, but also learn a different method, a new way of thinking, which is essential in dealing with problems.”

“The cooperation between the University of Debrecen and South Dakota State University provides tangible results for agricultural stakeholders, students and educators. It provides real tools and skills for the agricultural professionals of the future. Thank you to the university leaders who believed in the freedom of education, science and innovation. This cooperation is an investment in prosperity, in agriculture. I believe that this partnership will be the basis for further cooperation,” Interim Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States of America in Hungary Robert Palladino stated.

According to the State Secretary for the Development of Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade: “The University of Debrecen’s dedication to science is faithfully exemplified not only by its place in international rankings, but also by this agreement.” She highlighted that the programme holds enormous potential in the areas of climate change resilience, innovative solutions related to soil conservation, and promoting productivity and sustainability, among others.

“This agreement between universities is a bridge that builds on knowledge, experience and trust in the future. Knowledge is our most important resource in the 21st century, in a world where change is the only constant, only well-educated, thoughtful, open-minded young people can successfully navigate and develop. The cooperation between UD and SDSU provides a unique opportunity for the young generation, with cross-border knowledge transfer, joint research programs and student mobility,”Deputy Secretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture  Oszkár Ökrös  added.

According to Agricultural and Food Industry Diplomat at the Embassy of Hungary in Washington Béla Kocsy, the agreement is the result of the dedicated work of the institutions’ leaders and educators. As he said, “It is time to make agriculture great again.” 

Under the agreement between the University of Debrecen and South Dakota State University, precision agricultural engineering students of the Faculty of Agriculture, Food Science and Environmental Management will begin and complete the first three semesters of their education in Debrecen, where they will follow the study programme organised jointly by UD and SDSU. In the fourth and fifth semesters, students can continue their studies in the American education system online or in person at SDSU’s Brookings campus. In the sixth and seventh semesters, UD students will return to the Böszörményi Road campus and complete the BSc in precision agricultural engineering and the requirements for the SDSU B.S. degree.

Source and photo credit:dehir.hu