The first-of-its-kind joint degree agreement will see graduate students from the University of Windsor and Politecnico Di Torino participate in a two-year Masters program working on cutting-edge research and development projects with Chrysler and Fiat.

University of Windsor students will spend their first year in Windsor, where they will study four streams of engineering knowledge - vehicle, virtual simulation and powertrain engineering, as well as manufacturing process management. The second year will be spent in Turin, where students will take courses and work on a research and development project determined by Fiat, the student, and an academic advisor. Italian students will spend their first year at their home university and a second year studying at the University of Windsor, and will complete a thesis project at the University of Windsor-Chrysler Automotive Research and Development Centre.

The objective of this degree program is to offer participants a complete, international education that addresses the challenges and new strategies in the auto industry and the requirements of the automotive engineering profession. Students completing the program will have solid professional training, linguistic proficiency and the practical experience necessary to work in a competitive global environment. Upon completion of their studies, students will have earned both a Masters of Applied Science degree from the University of Windsor and a Laurea Magistrale degree from Politecnico di Torino.

This is a unique example of a degree program based on collaboration between two prestigious universities and two automakers on two different continents, which seek to offer an academic experience of the highest international standard and, at the same time, provide students with an opportunity for cultural and personal growth.

Chrysler and Fiat will support research projects, provide space, research tools, equipment, and the personnel needed to supervise the work of five top graduate students from each university. Students will be selected by a committee on the basis of academic qualifications and suitability for the program, which is expected to be offered beginning in September, 2011.

University of Windsor President Alan Wildeman says the University of Windsor is committed to doing its part to engage in shaping the future of automotive engineering. "This reciprocal agreement with Politecnico di Torino will challenge our students to take their expertise out into the world, work at an international level and broaden their horizons. Our engineering graduates have invaluable skills to share and we are honoured to have them invited to contribute to the future success of Chrysler and Fiat. This partnership builds on the University of Windsor's long history of innovation for Canada's manufacturing sector," says Dr. Wildeman.

Rector Profumo says his institution is particularly proud of the result because the agreements involve four partners that share the same vision with respect to the educational profiles of a new generation of automotive engineers. "Both our students and the Canadian students will get a special plus in their education that is not only in the scientific and technological context of the courses, but also in the experience of a year in another country, that will give them personal knowledge of a different culture, way of life and social organization."