The Inter American University of Puerto Rico (Spanish: Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico; abbreviated UIPR) in Spanish, and often referred as "Inter"— is an ecumenical Christian university in San Germán, Puerto Rico. The UIPR is a private co-educational university system in Puerto Rico. It was founded in 1912 in San Germán, Puerto Rico. The University has campuses in Aguadilla, Arecibo, Barranquitas, Bayamón, Fajardo, Guayama, Ponce, San Juan, and San Germán. The school also has three professional schools: School of Optometry, School of Law, and the School of Aeronautics. The Inter offers academic programs in 11 teaching units. The San Germán campus is also the home to the Inter American School, a private co-educational college-preparatory school.
The Inter American University was founded as Polytechnic Institute of Puerto Rico in 1912 by Rev. John Will Harris and his brother Clarence Harris. It was founded as an elementary and high school in the Lomas de Santa Marta sector of the town of San Germán in land now occupied by the University's San Germán Campus. In 1927, the first high school class graduation took place. In 1944, the institute was accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, thus becoming the first liberal arts college to receive such accreditation in Puerto Rico, as well as the first outside the continental United States. This accreditation has been maintained over the years.
The governing body of the Inter American University of Puerto Rico is its Board of Trustees, which perpetuates itself and whose members are elected freely without interference from any external authority. The President of the University is the executive officer and senior scholar at the Institution. Systemic Management Council comprises the President of the University who chairs the Council, the Vice-Rectors, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dean of the School of Optometry, an Executive Secretary appointed by the President, the Executive Director Information Systems, the Director of the Legal Office and the Director of the Office of Systemic Research and Evaluation. Students will participate in the meetings of the Council when systemic issues are under consideration relevant to its functions, the following advisers: the President of the University Council, the Director of the Office of Human Resources, the Director of the Office of Promotion and Recruitment and the Director- Systemic Development Planning and Physical Plant.
The faculty and administration of the Faculty of Law and School of Optometry determine their own programs and rules subject to approval by the President and Board of Trustees. In all other respects, these two professional schools are governed by the rules, policies and general procedures of the University. Academic Senates of the teaching units and the University Council, Academic Senate heirs agencies was established in 1966 and the University Senate who succeeded him in 1973, dealing with the academic welfare of the University through a process of formal articulation between the units. The Academic Senates made academic standards and the University Council the ratification, subject mainly to the presence of the President of the University. Both bodies formulate recommendations on matters relating to educational policy, administrative and research.
The main purpose of Inter American University of Puerto Rico is the development of talent in men and women, regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, nationality, etc. This development occurs by means of a post-secondary education of wide and varied scopes, including, but not limited to liberal arts, graduate, professional and occupational career education, leading to the degrees, diplomas and certificates usually granted in institutions of post-secondary or higher education, recognized and accredited by public agencies. In harmony with its main purpose, Inter American University of Puerto Rico has the mission to contribute to society through the formation of cultured citizens, conscious of their ethical, social and cultural obligation, and committed to democratic and Christian principles; to prepare occupationally and professionally trained human resources, with a civic and social sense of responsibility, that can exert effective leadership in the different fields of the human activity, and who are adaptable to diverse scenarios of activity, including foreign areas. The education the University offers for these purposes, has to include the accumulated knowledge until the most recent manifestations, corresponding to the intellectual capacity of the type of student to which it is applied, as well as to this type of student‟s and society‟s needs. This requires the adoption of admission norms, study modalities, and levels of competencies that respond to the characteristics of the several groups that compose the student population.
Inter American University of Puerto Rico is an ecumenically oriented institution, but does not adhere to any one particular theology or ecclesiastical body. Founded by Dr. John William Harris, a minister of the Presbyterian Church, Inter American University maintains a historic, friendly and enriching association with that communion as well as with other Christian groups in accordance with its ecumenical spirit. Inter American University of Puerto Rico is a community of higher education dedicated to a comprehensive search for truth within an environment of responsible freedom and through the encouragement of a mature academic life which guarantees true freedom of investigation. Within this context, religion is studied in the University as an academic discipline designed to engage in fruitful dialog with other university disciplines. In affirming its commitment to the Christian ecumenical ideal, the University dedicates itself to the renewal and reaffirmation not only of its own Christian heritage, but also the culture within which it is situated and which it serves. This does not oblige the acceptance of all the details of our Christian past nor of all the elements of modern Christianity.
Nevertheless, the University has fostered and will continue to foster the convergence of all Christians in the one faith centered about the person of Jesus Christ as He is made known to us in the apostolic tradition of the Scriptures as the One whom Christians regard as decisive, definite and normative in man‟s relations with God and his fellow men and society. The University affirms its conviction that to be a Christian today implies, on the one hand, knowledge of and obedience to the Gospel and, on the other, identification with the Universal church by means of an individual commitment to a particular Christian communion. The ecumenical posture of the University involves openness to society, science, technology and a plurality of faiths; it involves an integral education of each individual so he or she may exercise a vocation within his or her community in a responsible and productive way; it involves a commitment to serve though not to dominate society; and it involves the development of friendliness, fellowship and understanding to bridge human barriers.
The eleven academic units of Inter American University of Puerto Rico are authorized by the Council on Education of Puerto Rico and accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to offer university studies of the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels, as the case may be. Likewise, the University is committed to the professional accreditation of its academic programs. For this reason, some academic units have programs accredited by organizations, such as:
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Bayamón Campus
Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) School of Optometry
American Bar Association (ABA) School of Law
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Program (CANAEP) Arecibo Campus
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Arecibo and Fajardo campuses (B.A.) Metropolitan Campus (B.A., M.S.W.)
International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) Aguadilla, Arecibo, Barranquitas, Bayamón, Fajardo, Guayama, Metropolitano, Ponce and San Germán campuses, School of Law and School of Optometry
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) San Germán Campus (A.A.S., B.S.)
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) Metropolitano and San Germán campuses (BS, Professional Certificate)
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) Aguadilla and Arecibo campuses (B.S.N.) Recinto Metropolitano (A.A.S., B.S.N.)
Network of International Business Schools (NIBS) Metropolitan Campus (Division of Economic and Administrative Sciences)
Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) Barranquitas, Fajardo, Metropolitan, Ponce and San Germán campuses (Teacher Education Program)
Schools and Campuses
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla Campus
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Arecibo Campus
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Barranquitas Campus
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón Campus
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Fajardo Campus
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Guayama Campus
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitano Campus
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Ponce Campus
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, San Germán Campus
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Faculty of Law
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, School of Optometry
Inter American University of Puerto Rico, School of Aeronautics
American Council on Education (ACE)
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Asociación de Colegios y Universidades Privadas de Puerto Rico (ACUP)
Asociación de Industriales de Puerto Rico
Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU)
Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) Association of Presbyterian College and Universities (APCU)
Broadcast Music, Inc.(BMI)
College Board
Council of Graduate Schools (CGS)
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU)
Hispanic Educational Telecommunications System( HETS)
National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA) National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) Organización
Universitaria Interamericana (OUI)
Inter American University offers pre-university, undergraduate, graduate and professional academic programs for obtaining certificates and Associate, Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees in subject matters normally offered by institutions of higher education of a nature, educational mission and goals similar to those of this University. The School of Law of Inter American University grants the Juris Doctor degree and the School of Optometry, the Doctor of Optometry degree. Some of the University‟s instructional units offer special programs, which are usually funded by federal grants. The educational activities of the Institution also include courses, seminars and institutes carried out as part of the University‟s Continuing Education Program.
*Undergraduate (Associate and Bachelor) Degree Programs
A.S.S. in Accounting
B.B.A. in Accounting
Minor in Accounting
Minor in Financial Accounting
B.S. in Airway Sciences
Aircraft Systems Management (Professional Pilot)
Aviation Sciences Management
Minor in Air Traffic Control (Airway Science)
Minor in Commercial Pilot
B.A. in Art
Ceramics and Sculpture
Painting and the Graphic Arts
Photography
Art Education (Visual Arts)
A.A.S. in Audiovisual Communications Technology
B.B.A. in Auditing
Minor in Auditing
B.S. in Bioinformatics
B.S. in Biology
Minor in Marine Sciences
B.S. in Biomedical Sciences
B.S. in Biotechnology
Minor in Biotechnology
A.A.S. and B.B.A. in Business Administration
A.A.S. and B.S. in Cardio-Respiratory Care
B.S. in Chemical Technology
B.S. in Chemistry
Minor in Chemistry
B.A. in Communications
Public Relations and Advertising (Communications)
B.S. in Communication in Media Production
Writing for the Media
Graphic Design
Photography
Radio Production
Media Integration
A.A.S. and B.S. in Computer Science
Minor in Basic Computation Skills
Minor in Computer Networks
Minor in Computer Science
A.A.S. in Computerized Management Information Systems
Conflict Mediation (Professional Certificate)
B.A. in Corporative Communication
A.A. and B.A. in Criminal Justice
Criminal Investigation (Criminal Justice)
Forensic Investigation (Criminal Justice)
Minor in Criminal Investigation
Minor in Penology
B.S. in Criminology
B.A. in Design
B.S. in Design and Development of Video-Games
B.S. in Digital Graphic Design and Multimedia
B.A. and Certificate in Education
Preschool Level Education
Early Childhood Education: Elementary Primary Level (K-3)
Early Childhood Education: Elementary Level (4-6)
Interdisciplinary Special Education (PK-12)
Elementary Education in Special Education
Secondary Education
Secondary Education in Biology
Secondary Education in Chemistry
Secondary Education in History
Secondary Education in Mathematics
Secondary Education in Science for the Junior High School
Secondary Education in Social Studies
Secondary Education in Spanish
Special Education
Special Education in Autism
Special Education in the Deaf and Partially Deaf
Teaching of English as a Second Language at the Elementary Level
Teaching of English as a Second Language at the Secondary Level
Minor in Religion and Education
A.S. and B.S. in Electronics Technology
Minor in Electronics
Engineering
Pre-engineering
B.S. in Computer Engineering
B.S. in Electrical Engineering
Communication Systems (Electrical Engineering)
Control Systems (Electrical Engineering)
Electronic Systems (Electrical Engineering)
Power and Energy Systems (Electrical Engineering)
Minor in Power and Energy Systems Engineering
B.S. in Industrial Engineering
Minor in Logistics and Operations Research
Minor in Quality Systems
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Minor in Aerospace Engineering
B.A. in English
Minor in Bilingual Oral and Written Communication
Minor in Oral and Written Communication (English)
B.B.A. in Entrepreneurial and Managerial Development
Minor in Electronic Commerce
Minor in Entrepreneurship
Minor in Entrepreneurial and Managerial Development
Minor in Music Business Management
Minor in Public Management
Entrepreneurial Development (Post associate degree Professional Certificate)
B.S. in Environmental Sciences
Minor in Environmental Science
B.S. in Environmental Technology
B.B.A. in Finance
Minor in Finance
Minor in Insurance
B.S. in Forensic Science (B.S.)
Minor in Forensic Science
B.B.A. in General Business Administration
A.A. in Graphic Design (A.A.)
B.A. in Health, Physical Education and Recreation
Adapted Physical Education
Physical Education: Elementary Level
Physical Education: Secondary Level
School Health (Physical Education)
Sports Technology (Physical Education)
B.S. in Health Sciences
Administration (Health Sciences)
Education (Health Sciences)
B.A. in History
Minor in History
Minor in History and Puerto Rican Literature
B.B.A. in Hotel Management
B.B.A. in Human Resources Management
Minor in Human Resources Management
B.A. in Humanistic Studies
B.S. in Industrial Chemistry
Minor in Industrial Chemistry
B.B.A. in Information Technology
A.A.S. and B.S. in Installation(s) and Repair of Computerized Systems and Networks
A. Insurance
B.B.A. in International Business
B.B.A. in Management
B.B.A. in Managerial Economics
B.B.A in Marketing
Minor in Communication and Public Relations
Minor in Insurance Sales
Minor in Marketing
Minor in Sales
Minor in Sports Marketing
B.A. and B.S. in Mathematics
B.S. in Computer Science (Mathematics)
Pure Mathematics
Minor in Mathematics
Minor in Statistics
A.M.E. in Medical Emergencies
B.S. in Medical Sonography in Cardiovascular Sonography
B.S. and Certificate in Medical Technology B.S. and Certificate
Medical Technology (Certificate)
B.S. in Medical Technology
B.S. in Microbiology
Minor in Microbiology
B.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies
B.A. and B.M. in Music
B.A. in Music
B.M. in Music
Applied Music
Music Education: General Vocal
Music Education: Instrumental
Minor in Music
A. in Music Business Management
B.S. in Natural Sciences
B.S. in Networks and Telecommunications
A.A.S. and B.S.N. in Nursing
Minor in Nursing Management
Minor in Gerontology for Nursing
A.S. in Occupational Therapy
A.A. and B.A. in Office Systems Administration
Minor in Office Systems Administration
B.B.A. in Operations Management
A.A.S. in Optical Science Technology
A.A.S. in Pharmacy Technician
A. in Photography
A.S. in Physical Therapist Assistant
B.A. in Political Science
Polysomnography (Professional Post Associate Certificate)
A. and B.A. in Popular Music
Minor in Anthropology and History of Music
Minor in Contemporary Dance Music
Minor in Sacred Music
B.A. in Psychology
Minor in Intervention and Stabilization of Clients in Crisis Situations
B.A. in Psychosocial Human Services
Dysfunctional Families (Psychosocial Human Services)
B.S. in Radiological Science
A.A.S. and B.S. in Radiological Technology
B.B.A. in Real Estate
A.A. and B.A. in Religion
A.A.S. in Restaurant and Food Services Administration
A.A.S. in Sales
B.A. in Social Sciences
B.A. in Social Work
Minor in Gerontology for Social Work
B.A. in Sociology
Minor in Archeology
Minor in Communitarian Social Development
B.A. in Spanish
Minor in Bilingual Oral and Written Communication
Minor in Oral and Written Communication (Spanish)
Minor in Spanish
Minor in Strategic Languages
B.S. in Speech and Language Therapy
A.S. and B.B.A. in Tourism
A.S. in Tourist Guide
B.B.A in Tourism Management
B.A. in Training and Sports Management
* Masters’ and Doctoral Programs
Master of Science in Anesthesia
Master of Arts in Applied Mathematics
Master of Science in Biology
Specialization in Molecular Biotechnology (Biology)
Specialization in Environmental and Ecological Sciences (Biology)
Master of Science in Biotechnology
Specialization in Biotechnology of Plants
Specialization in General Biotechnology
Master of Business Administration in Business Administration
Specialization in Accounting (M.B.A.)
Specialization in Finance (M.B.A.)
Specialization in Human Resources (M.B.A.)
Specialization in Industrial Management (M.B.A.)
Specialization in Managerial Information Systems (M.B.A.)
Specialization in Marketing (M.B.A.)
Master of Business Administration in General Program
Minor Specialization in Knowledge Management
Minor Specialization in Economic and Social Dimensions of Globalization
Master of Business Administration in Business Administration for Executives
Mater of Arts in Business Education
Master of Science in Computer Science Computer Science with Specialization in Networks and Security
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
Master of Arts in Teaching of Reading and Writing
Master of Arts, Master of Education and Doctor of Education in Education
Master of Arts Program in Education
Specialization in Counseling (M.A.)
Specialization in Educational Management and Leadership (M.A.)
Specialization in Physical Education (M.A.)
Subspecialization in Teaching of Physical Education
Subspecialization in Sports Training and Performance
Specialization in Special Education (M.A.)
Specialization in the Teaching of Mathematics (M.A.)
Specialization in the Teaching of Science (M.A.)
Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching
Specialization in Biology (M.Ed.)
Specialization in Chemistry (M.Ed.)
Specialization in English as Second Language (M.Ed.)
Specialization in History (M.Ed.)
Specialization in Mathematics (M.Ed.)
Specialization in Spanish (M.Ed.)
Masters in Education (M.Ed.)
Specialization in Bilingual Education (M.ED.)
Specialization in Interdisciplinary Special Education (M.Ed.)
Masters of Education (M.Ed.)
Specialization in Teaching at the Elementary Level (M.Ed.)
Specialization in Information Technology and Library Services (M.Ed.)
Masters of Education (M.Ed.)
Specialization in Teaching of Science and Mathematics at the Elementary Level (M.Ed.)
Doctor of Education Program (Ed.D.)
Specialization in Business Education (Ed.D.)
Specialization in Counseling (Ed.D.)
Specialization in Curriculum and Teaching (Ed.D.)
Specialization in Educational Management and Leadership (Ed.D.)
Specialization in Higher Education (Ed.D.)
Specialization in Special Education and Transition Services (Ed.D.)
Ed.D in Leadership and Instruction in Online Education
Education in Diabetes (Professional Post-Baccalaureate Certificate)
Master of Arts in Educational Computing
Master of Arts in Educational Neuroscience
Master of Arts in English (Teaching of English as a Second Language)
Doctor of Philosophy in Entrepreneurial and Managerial Development (Ph.D.)
Specialization in Human Resources (Ph.D.)
Specialization in Interregional and International Business (Ph.D.)
Master of Science in Environmental Science
Specialization in Environmental Biology (Environmental Sciences)
Specialization in Environmental Chemistry (Environmental Sciences)
Specialization in Water Resources and Unit Operations (Environmental Sciences)
Family Counseling (Post Master Professional Certificate)
Doctor of Business Administration in Finance
Maste of Fine Arts in Fine Arts
Specialization in Ceramics (Fine Arts)
Specialization in Drawing (Fine Arts)
Specialization in Painting (Fine Arts)
Specialization in Photography (Fine Arts)
Specialization in Printmaking (Fine Arts)
Specialization in Sculpture (Fine Arts)
Master of Arts, Doctor of Philosophy and Combined Program in History of the Americas
Master of Science in Information Security
M.I.B. in International Business
Minor Specialization in International Marketing
Minor Specialization in International Relations
Minor Specialization in Economic and Social Dimensions of Globalization
M.I.B.A. in International Business Administration
Specialization in Accounting (M.I.B.A.)
Specialization in Finance (M.I.B.A.)
Specialization in Human Resources (M.I.B.A.)
Specialization in Marketing (M.I.B.A.)
Specialization in Global Logistics (M.I.B.A.)
Master of Arts in Labor Relations
Minor Specialization in Economic and Social Dimensions of Globalization
M.L.S. in Library and Information Sciences
Master of Science and M.E. in Mechanical Engineering
Specialization in Energy (Mechanical Engineering) (M.S.)
Specialization in Aerospace (Mechanical Engineering) (M.S.)
Specialization in Energy (Mechanical Engineering) (M.E.)
Specialization in Aerospace (Mechanical Engineering) (M.E.)
M.A. and M.E. in Music Education Metropolitan Campus
M.A. and M.E. in Music Education San Germán Campus
Master of Science in Nursing
Specialization in Critical Care Nursing (M.S.N.)
Specialization in Medical-Surgical Nursing (M.S.N.)
Specialization in Maternal Child Nursing (M.S.N.)
Master of Science in Open Information Computer Systems
Professional Certificate in Technology and Administration of Data Banks
Master of Science in Psychological Counseling with Specialization in Family
Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
Specialization in Psychological Counseling
Specialization in School Psychology
Specialization in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Doctoral Program in Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy Program (Students with Bachelor’s in Psychology)
Specialization (Industrial/Organizational Psychology) (students with Bachelor’s)
Specialization (Psychological Counseling) (students with bachelor's degree)
Specialization (School Psychology) (Ph.D. students with Bachelor’s)
Master of Arts in Religious Education
Risk Management in Health Care (Professional Certificate in Management)
Master of Social Work in Social Work
Specialization in Administration in Social Work
Specialization in Direct Services (Social Work)
Post master's degree Professional Certificate in Clinical Social Work
Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Doctor of Philosophy in Theology
Master of Arts in University Teaching
Graduate courses may be taught in Spanish.
David Andres Alvarez - Bishop of The Episcopal Church Diocese of Puerto Rico
Yiye Ávila - Pentecostal evangelist, writer and former bodybuilder
Manuel de Dios Unanue - journalist who was assassinated for his expose on Colombia's cartels
Jaime Fonalledas - businessman and President of Empresas Fonalledas, which owns Plaza Las Américas
Bartolomé Gamundi - former executive at Arthur Andersen, Price Waterhouse and GE; former government official
Alejandro García Padilla - Former Governor of Puerto Rico
José Hernández - Major League All Star, professional baseball player
Miguel Hernández Agosto - former President of the Senate of Puerto Rico
Antonio Maldonado - Brigadier General, United States Air Force
Alexis Mateo - female impersonator and reality television personality
Vilma Reyes (born 1958) poet, storyteller and educator
Pedro Rosselló - former Governor of Puerto Rico
Miguel Romero - former Puerto Rico Secretary of Labor and Human Resources
Jorge Santini - former mayor of San Juan
Luguelín Santos - Dominican sprinter
Angel L. Vega - Author and businessman
Joan Smalls - Supermodel
Rubén Colón Tarrats - Orchestra director
