Jones International University

History

Overview

Jones International University (JIU) is the pioneer in online learning. The university was founded in 1993. Following the establishment and rapid growth of the Internet, the university founders foresaw the potential to launch the first university to exist completely online globally. Thereafter, in 1999, JIU became the first fully online university in the U.S. to be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Since then, we have continued to develop and expand our degree programs – all of which are designed to meet the needs of busy professionals eager to shape their futures.

JIU is the pioneer in online learning foundered in 1993. A cable magnate, Jones in 1987 launched the cable television network Mind Extension University™ (ME/U™), which enabled 30,000 students to take courses from more than 30 colleges and universities via television. In the nascence of the Internet, Jones foresaw the potential and started JIU in 1993 – the first university anywhere to exist completely online.

Despite the naysayers, Jones knew in his heart that this was the future of education. So it was with great pride that in 1999 JIU became the first fully online university in the U.S. to be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Since then, we have continued to develop and expand our degree programs – all of which are designed to meet the needs of busy professionals eager to shape their futures.

History of Jones International University

1993

Jones International University is the first university to exist fully online.

1995

JIU launches its first courses, initially offering a Master of Arts in Business Communications degree.

1996

The Bachelor of Arts in Business Communications degree completion program is added to the JIU offerings.

1999

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and a member of the North Central Association votes to grant regional accreditation to Jones International University, authorizing JIU to offer undergraduate and master’s level degree programs. This distinguishes JIU as the first entirely online “virtual” institution in the U.S. to earn regional accreditation.

2000

North Central Association (NCA) votes in March to approve JIU’s Master of Business Administration degree program. One month later, the first MBA students begin classes.

2001

JIU introduces online education programs in Spanish.

The Master of Education in e-Learning degree program is launched in March, following approval of the NCA.

2002

The Bachelor of Business Administration degree program receives NCA approval and accepts its first students into the program.

2003

JIU adds several additional degree specializations, including the MBA in Finance, and three new Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication and three new Master of Arts in Business Communication degrees.

2004

JIU Chancellor is inducted into the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA).

The United Nations Development Programme selects JIU to run its Virtual Development Academy for the third consecutive year.

JIU signs an articulation agreement with Maricopa Community Colleges, one of the largest community college systems in the U.S., to provide its students a seamless route to their bachelor’s degrees.

2005

The Colorado State Board of Education (CSBE) determines that JIU’s Teacher Licensure and Principal and Administrator Licensure degrees are “approved programs of preparation” for public school K-12 teachers and administrators. The Colorado content standards are recognized by 48 other U.S. states and territories.

The American Academy of Financial Management (AAFM) qualifies JIU MBA in Finance graduates for Master Financial Professional™ (MFP™) Designation and board certification.

JIU signs articulation agreement with the Colorado Community College system, the largest system of higher education in the state, to provide a seamless transition from community college to a baccalaureate program at an accredited online university.

2006

JIU launches its “cyberdome,” a one-of-a-kind virtual arena that will serve as the venue for university graduation ceremonies, as well as entertainment and educational productions. The cyberdome’s inaugural ceremony was the commencement of JIU’s Class of 2005-2006.

2007

JIU introduces its first doctoral programs: A Doctorate of Education in K-12 Education Leadership and a Doctorate of Business Administration. Approved by Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for affiliation status.

Associate of Arts in Business Administration and Associate of Science in Digital Media approved by HLC for affiliation status.

2008

Education Specialist programs in the School of Education approved by HLC for affiliation status.

2009

Doctorate of Education – Adult Education Leadership approved by HLC for affiliation status.

2013

JIU becomes a candidate for NCATE accreditation.

2015-2021

Jones International University Accredited from Gulf HEC, United States Higher Learning Commission, United States Education Commission, Ministry of Higher Education Commission, USBES, & Regional Council For Accreditation Of American Institution.

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Overview

JIU is the pioneer in online learning foundered in 1993. A cable magnate, Jones in 1987 launched the cable television network Mind Extension University™ (ME/U™), which enabled 30,000 students to take courses from more than 30 colleges and universities via television. In the nascence of the Internet, Jones foresaw the potential and started JIU in 1993 – the first university anywhere to exist completely online.

Despite the naysayers, Jones knew in his heart that this was the future of education. So it was with great pride that in 1999 JIU became the first fully online university in the U.S. to be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Since then, we have continued to develop and expand our degree programs – all of which are designed to meet the needs of busy professionals eager to shape their futures.

History of Jones International University

1993

Jones International University is the first university to exist fully online.

1995

JIU launches its first courses, initially offering a Master of Arts in Business Communications degree.

1996

The Bachelor of Arts in Business Communications degree completion program is added to the JIU offerings.

1999

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and a member of the North Central Association votes to grant regional accreditation to Jones International University, authorizing JIU to offer undergraduate and master’s level degree programs. This distinguishes JIU as the first entirely online “virtual” institution in the U.S. to earn regional accreditation.

2000

North Central Association (NCA) votes in March to approve JIU’s Master of Business Administration degree program. One month later, the first MBA students begin classes.

2001

JIU introduces online education programs in Spanish.

The Master of Education in e-Learning degree program is launched in March, following approval of the NCA.

2002

The Bachelor of Business Administration degree program receives NCA approval and accepts its first students into the program.

2003

JIU adds several additional degree specializations, including the MBA in Finance, and three new Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication and three new Master of Arts in Business Communication degrees.

2004

JIU Chancellor is inducted into the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA).

The United Nations Development Programme selects JIU to run its Virtual Development Academy for the third consecutive year.

JIU signs an articulation agreement with Maricopa Community Colleges, one of the largest community college systems in the U.S., to provide its students a seamless route to their bachelor’s degrees.

2005

The Colorado State Board of Education (CSBE) determines that JIU’s Teacher Licensure and Principal and Administrator Licensure degrees are “approved programs of preparation” for public school K-12 teachers and administrators. The Colorado content standards are recognized by 48 other U.S. states and territories.

The American Academy of Financial Management (AAFM) qualifies JIU MBA in Finance graduates for Master Financial Professional™ (MFP™) Designation and board certification.

JIU signs articulation agreement with the Colorado Community College system, the largest system of higher education in the state, to provide a seamless transition from community college to a baccalaureate program at an accredited online university.

2006

JIU launches its “cyberdome,” a one-of-a-kind virtual arena that will serve as the venue for university graduation ceremonies, as well as entertainment and educational productions. The cyberdome’s inaugural ceremony was the commencement of JIU’s Class of 2005-2006.

2007

JIU introduces its first doctoral programs: A Doctorate of Education in K-12 Education Leadership and a Doctorate of Business Administration. Approved by Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for affiliation status.

Associate of Arts in Business Administration and Associate of Science in Digital Media approved by HLC for affiliation status.

2008

Education Specialist programs in the School of Education approved by HLC for affiliation status.

2009

Doctorate of Education – Adult Education Leadership approved by HLC for affiliation status.

2013

JIU becomes a candidate for NCATE accreditation.

2015-2021

Jones International University Accredited from Gulf HEC, United States Higher Learning Commission, United States Education Commission, Ministry of Higher Education Commission, USBES, & Regional Council For Accreditation Of American Institution.