KINGSTON, R.I. — February 20, 2020, — The University of Rhode Island has announced a new degree and certificate initiative, URI Online, which provides students and professionals access to a URI education anywhere and anytime across the globe. URI Online offers fully-online undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs designed to meet the global challenges of today’s workforce and the needs of tomorrow’s professionals.
“URI Online will fill a critical gap and allow Rhode Islanders to more easily acquire the skills they need to compete for the high-demand, high-wage jobs we’re creating in our state,” said Governor Gina M. Raimondo. “I’m thrilled to see this initiative take off and I look forward to its expansion in the coming years.”
“URI Online offers a pathway for students that extends beyond the traditional classroom and takes advantage of what technology can offer to enhance student learning,” said URI President David M. Dooley. “Courses are taught by faculty who are expert in their fields, and the University provides the guidance and skills needed to advance careers and change lives.”
URI Online currently offers robust programs in Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, Dietetics, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and Nursing (RN to BS).
URI Online launched a new graduate Healthcare Management program in January and is preparing to enroll students for the next term.
A Bachelor of Arts completion degree program in Communication Studies will begin accepting applications in March with classes starting May 5.
“As part of a major research university defined by innovation and big thinking, URI Online is focused on creating a 24/7 learning environment that meets the needs of its students wherever they are,” said URI Provost and Vice President Donald H. DeHayes. “Courses are taught by the same dedicated and accomplished faculty that students encounter on campus. Students receive the advising, support, and guidance they need to achieve their goals.”
URI Online currently offers the following:
- RN to BS
- Dietetics M.A
- M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Cybersecurity Post-grad certificate
- Digital forensics certificate
- Communication Studies B.A.
- Healthcare Management M.S.
The B.A. in Communication Studies is unique in that it is developed as a “degree completion program” for students who started their undergraduate degree but did not finish or are recent graduates of a community college. It allows students who have completed at least 45 credits or more at an accredited postsecondary institution to complete the remaining required classes to earn their bachelor’s degree.
The Healthcare Management 30-credit graduate program is accepting applications on a rolling basis. It is designed for current and potential health professionals and allows for maximum flexibility. The program offers two stackable certificates—Health Leadership and Administration and Quality Improvement, Process Measurement, and Information Systems Management—that, when taken consecutively, earn students their Master of Science degree.
Frequently asked questions and application and registration information can be found here: