Who we are (Get to know us!)

Inter American University of PR (INTER), a non-profit private institution with a Christian heritage and an ecumenical tradition, was established by the Reverend J. William Harris in 1912. It was established as an elementary and secondary school on the grounds that are now occupied by the San German campus. In 1944, the Institution was accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, becoming the first private four year liberal arts college to receive this accreditation in Puerto Rico and the first to get this accreditation outside the continental United States of America. This accreditation has been maintained throughout the years. The academic programs are also authorized by the Council of Higher Education of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and recognized by the Department of Education of Puerto Rico.

Inter is the most important of all the private universities in Puerto Rico. It has approximately 44,000 students, representing 24% of the student population at the university level in Puerto Rico and about 40% percent of the students registered in private institutions at the college level on the island.

Students find Inter American University of PR to have a pleasant and cordial ambiance. Throughout its eleven academic units, ranging from a metropolitan campus to a colorful campus located on the center of the island, the University offers a variety of studying atmospheres.

At Inter we offer a wide range of academic programs that vary from undergraduate programs in the arts, business administration, science, music, medical emergencies, and nursing to graduate programs in the fields of the arts, business administration, education, fine arts, international business, science (library science and information), nursing, and social work.

It also offers 131 postgraduate programs, 62 masters and five doctorates, one law degree, and one doctorate in optometry. All of the undergraduate programs have a general education program that emphasizes the development of a personal and social conscience, the refinement of communication skills; quantitative and philosophical thought, the use of technology, the cultivation of ethical and esthetical sensitivity, and the knowledge of principles of faith and Christian practice.

This institution employs more than 2,500 professors, who have earned their academic degrees from prestigious institutions from all over the world. In addition, it is highly trained in technology.

INTERNSHIPS AND CONSORTIUMS

Students at Inter have many opportunities and options to complement their university experiences with more than 90 consortiums with institutions and foundations in the United States, Europe, Latin America and Asia. Included among these are: the Córdova-Fernós Congressional Internship Program, Internships in U.S. Federal Agencies, the Ortega Gasset Foundation in Spain, Diego Portales University in Santiago, Chile; Complutense University in Madrid, Spain; Guadalajara Autonomous University in Mexico; Bunker Hill Community College and Golden Mountain University in the Republic of China and Taiwan; the White House Internship and the Smithsonian Museum Internship in Washington, DC.

FINANCIAL AID

Financial aids available for students come from different sources: state, federal, the university and other private entities. The university offers PELL scholarships, federal loans, and work and study programs. Military personnel and other qualified personnel can also make use of the benefits offered to veterans.

Students can also apply for the Harry S. Truman, James Madison, Barry M. Goldwater, or Morris K. Udal scholarships. They can also obtain work experience in businesses or agencies, including the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA), Federal Aviation Administration, the National Institute of Health, Microsoft, Motorola, Oracle, the Department of Federal Agriculture, and the Department of Energy.

TECHNOLOGY

The array of services available for both students and faculty at the Inter American University of PR website is varied and ample. It includes the application form (No admission fees for undergraduate admission), a virtual library with access to INTER’S catalogs from all of the campuses, as well as various virtual data banks with images and high speed sounds. Registration, as well as scholarships and job applications, can also be completed online. INTER students can use their debit cards (ATM) and other credit cards such as VISA and MasterCard to pay for their registration (http://inter.edu) at any time even when the campus bursar’s office is closed.

Through the technological infrastructure of the Internet the Institution aims at improving the traditional services it offers. Through the website, http://adistancia.inter.edu, the student can find all the resources available for the seven academic degrees and over 300 courses offered completely online. Through the WebCT and the Learning Space platform students can take courses completely online, as well as have access to handouts and other material for traditional classroom courses.

94 YEARS of Social and Cultural Legacy

After almost a century of educational service the development of Inter American University of Puerto Rico is intrinsically tied to the social and cultural function of the society it serves. Inter American University of Puerto Rico has become the custodian of the cultural patrimony of our country. More than 94 years of history include the memorabilia of the composer Rafael Hernández Marín, the writer Manuel Méndez Ballester, the poet Luis Palés Matos,the historian Arturo Morales Carrión, the playwright Emilio S. Belaval, and the composers and exponents of our music, Amaury Veray from Yauco, PR and Augusto Rodriguez.

The social and cultural legacy of Inter American University of PR to the Puerto Rican society is evidenced by the many famous visitors and contributions made by many international personalities whose knowledge has given luster to our history. Among our famous visitors we can mention Janet Reno, Carlos Fuentes, Henry Kissinger, Ernesto Sábato, Robert Kennedy, Pablo Casals, Antonia Coelho de Novelo and Isabel Allende.