2U Signs 50 New Online Degrees with Six University Partners

LANHAM, Md., Nov. 10, 2023

LANHAM, Md., Nov. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 2U, Inc. (Nasdaq: TWOU), the company behind global online learning platform edX, today announced it has signed contracts with six universities to launch 50 new degree programs under the company's 'flex' degree partnership model, with the majority launching in 2024. The new online degrees will be offered by four new 2U partners–Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS), Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU), King's College London, and Maryville University–and two existing 2U partners, Emerson College and University of Cape Town (UCT).

Today's announcement underscores the significant demand for 2U's 'flex' degree model and follows seven previously-announced degree contracts set to launch in 2024, including those from UC Davis and UNC Chapel-Hill. This continued momentum builds toward 2U's plan to launch at least 80 new degree programs in 2024.

"We have unprecedented demand for our flexible partnership model," said Andrew Hermalyn, President of Partnerships at 2U, the company behind edX. "This sharp increase highlights the appetite for continued digital innovation among universities and is a testament to the transformative power of public-private higher education partnerships. With our partners, we'll continue to provide greater and more equitable pathways to the world's best higher education."

Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, a new 2U partner, will launch its first online degrees, a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences and a Master of Science in Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing, on edX. The MS in Biomedical Sciences is designed to provide students the opportunity to strengthen their academic record for entrance into health professions programs such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, physician assistant, and pharmacy. The MS in Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing aims to meet the expanding workforce needs in biomanufacturing and bioprocessing by preparing the next generation of life science professionals, including those already working within the industry, to operate effectively in this evolving industrial setting.

Hawai'i Pacific University, a private, nonprofit institution on O'ahu renowned for its exceptional cultural diversity, is expanding its online program portfolio by introducing four master's degrees on edX. HPU will continue to meet the growing demand for programs and practitioners in education, data, and health sciences, launching a Master of Science in Data Science, a Master of Science in Cybersecurity, a Master of Social Work (MSW), and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership. HPU will also utilize 2U's clinical placement support for students enrolled in the online MSW program.

King's College London, a new 2U partner, will launch a Master's in Professional Studies on edX– a first of its kind for the university. Created with a 'build-your-own' learning approach, students will be able to choose from over 100 existing King's Online courses from across all nine of King's individual schools to help complete their degree across a wide variety of specializations, ranging from mental health policy to business. King's will also offer 12 Professional Certificate programs on edX in fields including law, technology, business, and healthcare.