In a list published last week on Forbes.com, the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) was ranked as one of the top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with online degree programs in the U.S. in 2023. The UVI online degree program was recognized among ten distinguished HBCUs for its low student-to-faculty ratio, relatively high student retention rate, and low average net price per year. The ranking is based on research conducted by the education team at Forbes Advisor, an online platform that aids consumers in making financial decisions.
“We are very pleased to be recognized by Forbes Media, a world-renowned and trusted source of news and consumer information,” said UVI President, Dr. David Hall. “Indeed, UVI offers an academically rigorous online program that is not only affordable, but also provides a level of student support, a small class environment and access to faculty that sets UVI apart. These are the hallmarks of a UVI education, and we are proud to be able to offer an online option to students in our community and abroad.”
UVI launched its online degree program in 2018 in response to growing demand in the Virgin Islands and globally. Currently, students may pursue associate, bachelor or master degrees in six accredited programs in popular fields such as Management, Accounting, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, and Educational Leadership. Additional programs are added based on demand. Classes are taught by credentialed UVI professors in a format that is 100 percent online, offering students the option for free online tutoring and office hours either online or in-person.
To ensure the online program meets the high academic and quality standards as the on-campus programs, the online program is led by UVI Provost, Dr. Camille McKayle, and a team of committed faculty and staff including Dr. Pamela Moolenaar-Wirsiy, dean of Innovation and Student Success and interim vice provost of Enrollment Management; Assistant Provost for online learning, Dr. Ameeta Jadav; and a dedicated academic advisor, Wendy Fedler, who works one-on-one with each student. Courses are designed with a consistent and easy-to-use interface with a focus on student experience, academic rigor and quality.
“It is important that the students who are part of UVI Online get the same service that students who take courses face-to-face experience. So, from the beginning, students are introduced to and have access to dedicated admissions persons, librarians, faculty, deans and administrators at UVI,” explained Dr. McKayle. “It is our hope that students will know that they are seen and are much more than just an extension of their keyboard. We start like this, and hope that they end their time with UVI by attending graduation in person. As Provost, it is important that every aspect of UVI is available to all our students.”
One of the features that makes UVI Online convenient for learners is the multiple start dates offered throughout the year. “Because semesters are only eight weeks long, students have the flexibility to start when it’s most convenient and the choice to continue throughout the summer months when on-campus students typically take a break,” said Dr. Jadav. “The advantage is that online students may complete their degrees more quickly, if desired, or pick and choose what sessions to take based on work or personal schedules.”
The deadline to apply to UVI’s upcoming Aug. 2- Sept. 27, online session is July 21, 2023. For more information and to apply, visit https://online.uvi.edu/.
To read the Forbes article, visit Best HBCU Colleges With Online Degrees 2023 – Forbes Advisor.
For more information, contact pr@uvi.edu.
