Master’s student Begoña Noriega becomes the first MSETM dual degree graduate

Monday, April 2, 2018

Distance and a full-time job are not impediments to earning a master’s degree from Oklahoma State University.

Begoña Noriega is the first student to graduate from OSU’s Master of Science in Engineering and Technology Management dual degree program with the Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP) in Mexico. The program is geared toward experienced engineers and technologists who want to advance their careers and gain business and managerial knowledge to complement their expertise.

The MSETM degree is different because it is completed entirely through distance learning, which allows students from around the world to enroll. Brenda Johnson, assistant director of interdisciplinary programs for the Engineering and Technology Management department, considers Noriega the perfect example of MSETM degree seekers.

“She was taking all of her classes remotely from both institutions, which can be kind of tricky,” Johnson said. “She’s employed as a professor at a different university and yet taking classes from two others to complete the degree. She did it all fairly quickly. She’s a stellar student in our opinion.”

Noriega is an industrial engineer who has worked in different roles at the Universidad Panamericana in Mexico for the last 10 years. She currently serves as a professor and director of the Industrial Engineering Program. Her professional career in the institution started before she finished her undergraduate degree. She aspires to get a Ph.D. from an American university, and trusts her master’s degree from OSU is a positive step toward her professional goals.

“Personally, it has helped me to reaffirm my professional vocation and to overcome important challenges that made me grow in all aspects,” Noriega said. “Professionally, it is a competitive advantage to have a foreign degree from a prestigious institution such as Oklahoma State and also helps me to enrich my classes as a university professor.”

The OSU and UPAEP relationship began more than 20 years ago, but the dual degree program agreement was signed into effect in 2005. The partnership now offers 50 dual degree options and 120 students have participated. The program not only offers high-quality academics, but also the invaluable opportunity of an international experience and practicing a foreign language.

To participate, students must fulfill all admission requirements for the specific degrees. Successful students receive two master’s degrees in the time period needed to earn one. Alejandro Aizpuru, director of the UPAEP United States Liaison Office, believes the program opens many professional and personal growth opportunities.

“The more prepared you are, the better the opportunities you have to get a better job. Or you can apply all the knowledge you received to start a business and create job opportunities in your country,” Aizpuru said.

In the case of the MSETM program, engineers and technologist are given the opportunity to close the business knowledge gap their undergraduate degree might leave them because of the intense course load. Although the degree is completed entirely through distance learning, students still feel part of the Cowboy family, and Noriega is happy to serve as an example.

“It gives me great pleasure to have opened doors for other people,” Noriega said. “I would definitely recommend the experience. At OSU I always received a very kind and attentive treatment, as well as a high academic level. I’m proud to be part of this institution.” For more information about the MSETM program visit etm.okstate.edu or stop by the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology.

For information about the dual degree program options with UPAEP, call 405-744-5342 or visit the Division of International Studies & Outreach at 201 G Wes Watkins Center.

Story originally posted on https://gradcollege.okstate.edu/content/master%E2%80%99s-student-bego%C3%B1a-noriega-becomes-first-msetm-dual-degree-graduate