How UVI's third campus is expanding access, flexibility and opportunity for students across the Virgin Islands and around the world.
While many know the University of the Virgin Islands for its campuses on St. Thomas and St. Croix, UVI is also home to a third campus — one designed for students whose schedules, careers and responsibilities require greater flexibility. That campus is UVI Online.
Launched in 2018, UVI Online was created to meet a growing need for flexible, high-quality degree programs. Today, the division offers eight undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, including criminal justice, accounting, management, organizational leadership, educational leadership and a Master of Business Administration. Certificates in secondary teaching and special education are also available.
Although UVI Online enrolls students from around the world, most participants are Virgin Islands residents, many of them former students who began their studies in person and returned later in life to complete a degree or pursue an advanced credential. Others are working adults and caregivers who rely on the flexibility that online learning provides.
Speaking about that flexibility, graduate student Shugga Rosenbloom said, “UVI Online has truly transformed my life. It gave me the freedom to live my life outside the classroom with ease, while still being deeply connected to an academic community that truly cares.”
Graduate student Symra Henderickson shared a similar appreciation for the program. “The courses provide the tools and encouragement students need to transition into professional life,” she said. “If you commit to the process, you will graduate from UVI Online feeling confident and prepared.”
What sets UVI Online apart is not only its eight-week course format or flexible start dates, but the level of care and attention built into the experience. The program follows a proactive advising model that keeps students on track through proactive check-ins and individualized support. A dedicated advisor serves as an advocate for online learners and stays connected with them throughout their academic journey. Students also have access to campus libraries and virtual tutoring resources.
“I can say with confidence that our courses are as good or better than other online courses available,” said Dr. Ameeta Jadav, assistant provost of online learning and instruction. “Not only do we offer a very high-quality learning experience, but we also genuinely care about our students. We are constantly looking for ways in which we can improve the learning experience for your students and the facilitating experience for the faculty.”
That commitment is evident in how courses are designed. Faculty and instructional designers use established best practices to create classes that are accessible and responsive to student and instructor needs. Continual improvement and quality control are standard, with special attention given to selecting examples and images that reflect the UVI community.
Because courses are offered asynchronously with embedded e-textbooks, students can learn on their own schedule while still finding meaningful community and connection. Through discussion boards, students regularly exchange ideas, share perspectives, and build relationships that mirror the dynamics of an in-person classroom. One student described the discussions, communication and genuine encouragement from faculty as “unlike anything I’ve ever heard of in graduate school — especially online.”
Students are encouraged to visit either campus to use the library, attend events and participate in campus life, and all online students are invited to virtual orientations with the provost and academic leadership.
Faculty includes instructors based in the Territory and mainland U.S., offering both global perspectives and local relevance.
For many students, the combination of flexibility, rigor and personal engagement is life-changing. Rosenbloom said, “I didn’t just earn credits; I found clarity, discipline, confidence and faith in my own abilities.”
Virgin Islands residents may apply for UVI’s Free Tuition Scholarship, which can be used for eligible online programs.
UVI Online courses run for eight weeks, with five start dates per year for undergraduate students and two start dates per year for graduate students.
For more information, explore the Online Degree Programs from The University of the Virgin Islands.