University of the Virgin Islands

What is the history of University of the Virgin Islands?

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) began in 1962 as the College of the Virgin Islands, a public institution created to expand higher-education access in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It became a land-grant institution in 1972 and adopted its current name in 1986.

UVI now operates campuses on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Its land-grant role helps explain why its work extends beyond degree programs to agricultural research, extension, and community education. The university is also a historically Black university, a designation rooted in its founding and educational mission.

What are the faculties and departments at University of the Virgin Islands?

UVI offers associate, bachelor's, and graduate study across business, education, liberal arts, sciences, nursing, and agriculture. Its academic organization includes the School of Business, School of Education, School of Nursing, School of Agriculture, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and College of Science and Mathematics.

Students can explore fields such as accounting, business administration, biology, computer science, criminal justice, education, marine-related sciences, psychology, and nursing. Agriculture and environmental study have a particular connection to UVI's land-grant work and Caribbean setting. Program location and delivery can differ between St. Thomas, St. Croix, and online offerings, so an applicant should check the current catalog for the campus, course sequence, and credential they intend to pursue.

What is the location of University of the Virgin Islands?

UVI's St. Thomas campus is in the Charlotte Amalie area of the U.S. Virgin Islands, near John Brewers Bay rather than in the downtown commercial center. The university also has a campus on St. Croix, giving students two distinct island settings within the same institution.

St. Thomas students should account for travel between campus, housing, work, and other parts of the island; a short distance on a map does not necessarily mean a convenient commute. Cyril E. King Airport serves St. Thomas and is useful for students traveling to or from the island. Applicants comparing campuses should confirm where required classes and in-person services are offered before making housing or transportation plans.

What is the mission and vision of University of the Virgin Islands?

UVI describes its mission in terms of accessible higher education, student development, research, and service to the U.S. Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean. Its stated vision emphasizes educational opportunity and contributions to the region's social and economic life.

That purpose is reflected in the university's mix of undergraduate and graduate teaching, land-grant outreach, and programs connected to local needs. These are institutional priorities, not a promise that every student will have the same academic or career outcome. UVI is a public university, not a religiously affiliated institution.