Shanghai Jiao Tong University: A Comprehensive Overview
Founded in 1896, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) stands as one of China's oldest and most prestigious universities. As a key university directly under the administration of the Ministry of Education (MOE) of the People's Republic of China and co-constructed by MOE and the Shanghai Municipal Government, SJTU has consistently ranked among the top five universities in the nation. With a rich history and a commitment to academic excellence, SJTU has become a leading institution for higher education and research in China.
Historical Development
Early Years and Evolution
SJTU's origins trace back to 1896 when it was established as Nanyang Public School. Sheng Xuanhuai, a prominent figure in the Westernization Movement, proposed the school's establishment to the Qing government in October of that year. Approved by the Guangxu Emperor in December, Sheng became the school's first president. His vision was to promote a Western academic model and a practical approach to education, diverging from the traditional imperial examination system.
In 1905, the school was transferred to the Ministry of Commerce and renamed High Industrial School. This was followed by another transfer in 1907 to the Ministry of Posts and Communications, resulting in the name Shanghai High Industrial School of the Postal Transmission Department. From 1911 to 1912, it was known as Grand Nanyang University.
Transformation and Growth
Tang Wenzhi, who served as president from 1907 to 1920, played a crucial role in shaping the university's curriculum based on Western engineering higher education. During his tenure, the school expanded its programs in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. It also introduced a four-year traffic management program and new courses in industrial economy and factory management. Notably, from 1908 to 1920, foreign instructors, primarily Americans, constituted about half of the school's faculty in specialized disciplines. American academics led both the Departments of Civil Engineering and Electrical Engineering due to a lack of qualified local faculty.
Post-1949 Developments
Following the capture of Shanghai by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in 1949, Jiao Tong University gradually resumed operations. Classes restarted on June 2, and the Shanghai Military Commission officially assumed control of the university on June 15. On August 20, Jinan University's Science College merged into Jiao Tong University.
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In December 1950, the university introduced new majors, including automotive engineering, highway management, construction equipment, and civil engineering. The Department of Telecommunication Management was renamed the Department of Telecommunication Engineering Management on March 1, 1951. By July 28, 1952, the university's faculties were reorganized into three main areas: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Shipbuilding. Peng Kang, the university's Party Secretary, announced the adoption of the presidential responsibility system on December 25, 1954.
Relocation and Expansion
On January 7, 1955, the university expanded its Shipbuilding College under the direct leadership of the Ministry of First Mechanical Industry. Faculty and students from the Dalian Institute of Technology's shipbuilding department joined Jiao Tong University between January 29-30. The academic structure transitioned from a two-year specialization to a five-year degree program on June 22, 1955, phasing out the two-year program by July.
Discussions to enroll the first cohort of graduate students in fields like mechanical engineering, metallurgy, and electrification began on March 13, 1956. By 1958, the university had grown to include 6 departments and 15 majors, with 5,000 students.
A significant decision was made during a May 24-25, 1955 meeting to relocate the university following central government instructions. An office was established in Xi'an on August 20 to begin preparations, and the relocation plan was announced on November 24. The relocation began in 1957, with the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee agreeing to the move on June 22.
Recent History
In 1961, Shanghai Jiaotong University came under the dual leadership of the National Defense Science and Technology Commission (NDSC), the Ministry of Education, and the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee. The Minyan Road branch campus was handed over to Shanghai Institute of Technology on June 10, and the preparatory department followed by January 10, 1962. On August 29, 1962, Shanghai Jiaotong University was restructured into 8 departments including Shipbuilding, Radio Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.
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In 1970, SJTU was placed under the Sixth Ministry of Machinery Industry's leadership. Departments in Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, and Engineering Mechanics were re-established in 1978, followed by the reconstruction of the Department of Civil Engineering in 1985.
Academic Profile
Disciplines and Programs
SJTU offers a wide array of academic programs across various disciplines. The University offers 67 undergraduate programs covering disciplines of economics, law, literature, science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, management and arts, 42 first-level disciplines authorized to confer doctorate degrees and 57 first-level disciplines authorized to confer master degrees. By December 2019, SJTU had 31 schools/departments, 31 research institutions, 13 affiliated hospitals, 2 affiliated medical research institutes, 20 directly affiliated units and 5 directly affiliated enterprises.
Antai College of Economics & Management
The Antai College has long been a leader in SJTU’s overall development, and in Chinese business education overall. For decades, China’s Ministry of Education has consistently evaluated the College as a top business school in China. In 2011, Antai College became the first business school in China to be accredited by all three of the world’s most authoritative business school accreditation entities: AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. As a leading academic institution in China, Antai College attracts the best of both faculty (178 at year-end 2020) and students (about 4,500). Exchange students may only choose courses offered by the Antai College of Economics & Management.
Research Prowess
SJTU is at the forefront of research and innovation in China. SJTU ranked top 0.1% in Essential Science Indicators (ESI) in 7 research fields including Engineering (top 0.01%), Materials Science, Chemistry, Clinical Medicine, Computer Science, Pharmacology & Toxicology, and Biology & Biochemistry. SJTU is leading the country in terms of both the number of National projects (1194) and the amount of research funding (644 million) supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China.
Internationalization
Internationalization is a key aspect of SJTU's development strategy. Currently SJTU has more than 150 institutional cooperation agreements with well-known universities around the world and has 60 double-degree programs in place. More than 45% of its undergraduate students have a study-abroad experience over the four years of studies at SJTU.
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Campus Life and Facilities
Campuses
The Xuhui campus has on-campus dormitories. Students are requested to make a reservation in the online system.
Student Body
By December 2018, there are 16,129 undergraduates and 30,217 postgraduates, more than 7000 international students on campus including 2,982 in degree programs.
Rankings and Recognition
Shanghai Jiao Tong University consistently achieves high rankings both nationally and internationally, reflecting its academic strength and research impact.
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