Saleve Seventh-day Adventist University in Collognes-Sous-Saleve, France, announced plans last month to adopt a German university master’s program into its curriculum. The move will give recognition to French Adventist seminary students in a country that does not recognize degrees from private universities.

Offering Saleve seminarians a theology degree from Germany-based Friedensau Adventist University—officially recognized throughout Europe—will also make it easier for them to transfer credits, switch universities and change degree programs without jeopardizing academic credit, church education officials said.

Members of Saleve and Friedensau’s academic administration signed the joint degree agreement during the May mid-year meetings of the Adventist Church’s Euro-Africa region.

France doesn’t recognize private university degrees because of its century-old laws separating church and state, said Roland Meyer, Saleve’s seminary dean.

Udo Worschech, Friedensau director, says the new degree will lend Saleve Theology students more credibility, especially if they plan to further their studies at other campuses across Europe or outside the continent.

Saleve students who earn a Friedensau-based degree will do so from their own campus. Both universities will maintain their own faculty and staff, but will jointly teach the new degree through brief professor exchanges. Saleve theology students will earn a diploma from both universities.

Richard Lehmann, director of Saleve Adventist University, hopes the agreement between the universities will “inspire the exploration of other agreements between [Adventist] campuses.”

Other programs being considered for future joint efforts include leadership and youth ministries, said Meyer.