Six 2U Partner Programs Host First Graduation Ceremonies For Online Students

2U, Inc.

today announced that six of its university partners recently hosted commencement ceremonies for their first class of online graduate degree students. These ceremonies combined include online students from 19 states and 18 countries. These students began their studies in 2013 or 2014. The online graduate degree programs: @WashULaw: Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, Master of Laws in U.S. Law MPA@UNC: University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Government, Master of Public Administration IR Online: American University School of International Service, Master of Arts in International Relations MPH@GW: George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Master of Public Health Nursing@Simmons: Simmons College School of Nursing and Health Science, Master of Science in Nursing datascience@berkeley: University of California at Berkeley, School of Information, Master of Information and Data Science "We're so proud that these leading schools have entrusted 2U to support them to build innovative online degree programs. Yet, the moment that matters most for us is when these online graduates are welcomed to walk in campus commencement ceremonies along with graduates from the campus programs. There is no segregation between the online and campus students. Same curriculum. Same rigor. Same degree. Same outcome," said Chip Paucek, 2U CEO and co-founder. Emily Ham, an online graduate from the American University International Relations Online program, is a lieutenant in the United States Navy based at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. She was selected to provide the keynote address at the American University School of International Service commencement ceremony. "The vast majority of you have no idea who I am. You haven't seen me on campus and you've never had a class with me," said Ham. "Over the past two years I've been enrolled in IR Online – for those among you who are skeptical of online education, let me assure you we have shared many of the same experiences. During my two years in this program, I have sat through lectures while in 15 countries. I have read textbooks and written papers while on trains, planes and automobiles. I have even submitted an assignment while on a ferryboat crossing the English Channel. Conducting my studies online has allowed me to continue serving my country overseas while obtaining a graduate education from one of the top international relations programs in the world." Founded in 2008, 2U began with supporting four degree programs with the University of Southern California (USC) Rossier School of Education, USC School of Social Work, Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies and UNC at Chapel Hill Kenan-Flagler Business School. In 2013, the company continually expanded its client portfolio and currently supports 20 programs with 13 universities. A full list of 2U-supported programs can be found on the university partner page. For more information on 2U's work and impact on students, faculty and universities, please view 2U's 2015 Impact Report.