SOLES and CETYS Mark a New Chapter with Inaugural Double Degree Graduates

The School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) at the University of San Diego and Centro de Enseñanza Técnica y Superior (CETYS Universidad) in Mexico proudly celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of 22 students from their double degree program, a unique cross-border academic initiative that empowers professionals with a global vision.

Through this program, students earn a Master in Business Administration from CETYS and a Master of Arts in Leadership Studies from USD, typically completing the program in 18 months to two years. Designed to shape globally minded professionals, the double degree program serves as a strong example of binational cooperation in graduate education.

“This is more than a graduate program — it is an immersive, global experience that blends the strategic rigor of the CETYS MBA with the people-centered approach of the SOLES MA in Leadership Studies,” said Kimberly A. White-Smith, EdD, dean of SOLES. “Together, we are preparing students to step into their roles as transformative leaders, equipped with the analytical and managerial skills to excel in business and the cultural intelligence to lead with purpose and agility across borders.”

The program allows students to strengthen their leadership capabilities while developing a holistic understanding of business and organizational strategy, all within a multicultural learning environment.

“Our first graduating class affirms the importance of creating academic models that prepare leaders with a strong ethical foundation and intercultural perspective,” added Mónica López, PhD, dean of CETYS Graduate School of Business. “This generation demonstrates the enduring value of this collaboration.”

CETYS students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to take classes and learn from distinguished faculty at both institutions. Taught entirely in English, students engage with a rigorous curriculum that blends cross-border expertise to reshape business paradigms, cultivate leadership potential and address dynamic global challenges. 

“The SOLES–CETYS partnership continues to be a beacon for international higher education, fostering innovation and collaboration,” shared Antonio Jiménez-Luque, PhD, associate professor at SOLES and academic director of the double degree program. “We are proud to support CETYS students and cultivate the next generation of leaders — dedicated to transforming their organizations, strengthening communities and fostering better workplace and regional relations."

Graduating students shared personal reflections on how the double degree program has impacted their professional and personal growth.

“Undergoing this program had a meaningful impact on both my professional and personal life, offering valuable networking opportunities. For those of us living in the Tijuana-San Diego region, it’s a unique opportunity, as CETYS and USD are both leaders in their fields, and this type of program is broad in scope and highly competitive,” said Christian Moran, graduate of the Class of 2025.

“Graduating from a double degree MBA from CETYS and USD opens up my career, cultural and personal horizons. It allows me to connect with different cultures and broaden the spectrum of opportunities I can develop in the industry. Being an engineer working in Mexico and interacting with companies in the United States, this will be key to my growth,” shared Osvaldo Renteria López, graduate of the Class of 2025.

This milestone reflects USD and CETYS' continued commitment to develop and support binational and bilingual leaders who aspire to positively impact the broader region.

— By Michelle Barón