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International Graduate School extends Anderson University’s reach.
Anderson University advanced efforts to broaden its reach around the world by launching its International Graduate School (IGS.)
The Anderson University International Graduate School represents significant inroads for fulfilling needs identified in the global workforce, offering hybrid programs that consist of online instruction and three-day intensives which take place at the University Center of Greenville, South Carolina. These in-person intensives require IGS students to participate in concentrated instruction and are integral to the success of the program.
AU IGS faculty is composed of Anderson University professors and complemented by a talented cadre of adjunct professors who possess extensive professional experience in their respective fields.
“The College of Business originally pioneered this project as we started to increase in international student enrollment,” said AU IGS Dean Dr. Mark Williamson, adding that ultimately the University decided to create an international graduate school as a distinct academic unit.
AU IGS began offering classes in January 2023 and currently offers master’s degree programs in Information Technology Management, Business Analytics, Professional Business Analytics, Cybersecurity Management and Computer Science.
The first AU IGS graduates of the International Graduate School received their degrees during Winter Commencement in 2024.
Dr. Anil Kumar Palla is an entrepreneur and leader in global education who currently serves as the founder and CEO of University HUB, a strategic Anderson University partner in the International Graduate School. He is also a member of the University’s board of regents.
“Partnering with Anderson University to launch the International Graduate School aligns perfectly with our vision of making world-class education accessible across borders. By combining Anderson’s academic excellence with University HUB’s global recruitment network, we’re empowering students to build the skills for their future roles in the 21st-century workforce,” Dr. Palla said.
The International Graduate School presently draws students largely from South Asia, which was identified early on as a key market, but also from Brazil, France and other countries.
Of those students from South Asia, more than 300,000 reside in the United States. Recent graduate Jittin Nautiyal came to the U.S. from India 12 years ago, later enrolling in the Cybersecurity Management program at Anderson, because he felt it fit well within his professional goals and offered more than he initially expected.
“What I like about this University is that they have their values intact,” said Nautiyal, who currently lives in New Jersey. “You’re acquiring skills and they are instilling some things in you to keep you grounded and make you a better person.”
“The reason I chose Anderson University is because of its strong background and history as well,” said Rahul Roy Battu, who completed his MS in Business Analytics and comes from Hyderabad, Telangana, India. “I have a background of business management in India, so Anderson is also supporting and getting new connections to help me to grow my career in the States. You can reach (AU professors) at any time and they will guide you on your assignments. They’ll guide you on your career progress or academic progress. They’ll also help you with your interests and they’ll guide you on the right path to choose which way to go in.”
Hridya Padma Sai Vakkalanka, a MS Cybersecurity Management graduate from Hyderabad, Telangana, completed her bachelor’s degree in commerce back in India. Passionate about computers, she discovered Anderson’s Cybersecurity Management program.
“There are so many courses in the curriculum that have fascinated me,” Vakkalanka said. “AU has excellent faculty—they’re not only experienced, but they’re supportive. They give you full attention.”
“Anderson is a great choice for me. Everybody is supportive, warm and welcoming. I can easily connect with other students and professors,” said Sowmiya Bhagavathsing of Chennai, India.
“The main thing I like about professors at Anderson is they treat everyone equal. To anyone wanting to do a master’s in the USA, I always recommend Anderson,” said Subham Kothari, who currently lives in Kansas.
According to Associate Director of Graduate Admission and Advising Chesley Tench, the International Graduate School resonates with all four pillars of Anderson University—Great Academics, Great Faith, Great Hospitality and Great Purpose.
“In everything that we do with these students, we go above and beyond to make sure that they know they matter to us. They are supported challenged, and given a meaningful experience that will be impactful to their future careers and callings,” Tench said.