Texas Tech University

Agreement Types

International Partnerships:

There are four (4) basic types of partnerships described below. In addition, there are several agreement subtypes which serve different purposes for the university community. 

Letter of Intent (LoI):

A Letter of Intent (LoI) is the least formal agreement between Texas Tech University and a partner institution. Other institutions may refer to this agreement type as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). An LoI is often used to establish friendly relations, indicating future desired collaborative activities. In some cases, an LoI may be required before further concrete agreements can be signed.

Study Abroad Agreements:

Study Abroad agreements are established to create program opportunities for Texas Tech University students. They can take a variety of forms but all fall under this umbrella type.

  • Two-Way Agreements (Reciprocal Exchange agreements) create a reciprocal exchange program with an international institution. TTU students pay tuition and fees at TTU, international (exchange) students pay tuition and fees at their home institution, and the students exchange places in the classroom. Prior to establishing a Study Abroad Two-Way agreement, the interested parties must first determine that there are a sufficient number of courses at the host institution that are available for exchange. In countries where English is not the spoken language, the agreement ensures that there are sufficient courses taught in English at the host institution.
  • One-Way Agreements (Affiliations and Internships) enable Texas Tech University students to participate in the academic programs of international institutions. Texas Tech University students pay tuition and/or fees directly to the host institution and they receive credit, grades, or verification of completion for their work and studies.
  • Consortium Agreements allow consortium members to pool resources to offer study abroad experiences to all of the institutions' students. Each member may send its students to partner programs. Consortium programs may be initiated by Texas Tech University or an outside institution. They may be exchange, affiliate or TTU Center programs.

Collaborative Agreements:

Like Study Abroad Agreements, the Collaborative Agreements umbrella contains several different sub-types, each with a specific purpose.

  • Dual Degree Programs allow students to complete degree requirements at both Texas Tech University and the international partner institution. Prior to establishing a dual degree program, the interested parties must comply with Texas Tech University and Southern Association on Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accreditation requirements. Participants in dual degree programs will receive two degrees, one from each institution. Click dual degree checklist for a quick-reference checklist on establishing a dual degree program.
  • Joint Degree Programs allow students to complete degree requirements at both Texas Tech University and the international partner institution. Prior to establishing a joint degree program, the interested parties must comply with Texas Tech University and Southern Association on Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accreditation requirements. Participants in joint degree programs will receive one degree containing seals from both institutions on the single diploma. Click joint degree checklist for a quick-reference checklist on establishing a joint degree program.
  • Transfer Degree Programs (Articulation Programs)facilitate international students transferring significant credit hours to Texas Tech University to complete a TTU degree. Participants will begin their degree program at their home institution before transferring to TTU to complete their degree requirements. Prior to establishing an articulation agreement, the interested parties must complete an evaluation of courses that will be accepted for transfer at TTU.  Click transfer degree checklist for a quick-reference checklist on establishing a transfer degree program.
  • Academic and Research Programs are designed to facilitate general academic and research endeavors. This can include faculty exchanges, research collaborations, and calls for proposals,Academic collaborations with a heavy research component will be reviewed by the Office of the Vice President for Research.

Comprehensive Partnership Agreement:

Agreement collaborations which combine two or more of the above agreement types will be considered comprehensive partnerships and are customized to meet the needs of the interested parties.

In the legend below, old agreement typology are listed on the left, and the newer typology are listed on the right.