University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras
San Juan, PR
Quick Facts
“Historia veritas vitae ministra (Latin)”("History serves as the truth of life")
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras
Puerto Rico's pioneering public university, leading in Hispanic doctoral degrees.
Welcome to the University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras (UPR-RP), affectionately known as La IUPI, a cornerstone of higher education in San Juan. As the largest campus within the esteemed University of Puerto Rico system, UPR-RP holds the distinction of being Puerto Rico's very first public university campus, shaping generations of leaders and innovators. It stands as a vibrant public land-grant research university, offering an enriching academic environment for over 18,000 students.
UPR-RP's historical roots run deep, tracing back to the Escuela Normal Industrial established in 1900. This foundational institution quickly evolved, officially becoming the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras in 1903. From its early days, the university served as the nucleus for what would become a comprehensive system, expanding its academic offerings and physical facilities significantly over the decades. Its journey reflects the island's own growth and aspirations, navigating periods of significant expansion and even social movements that highlight its role as a forum for change.
Academically, UPR-RP is a powerhouse, renowned for consistently granting the largest number of doctorate degrees to Hispanic students under the United States jurisdiction. Prospective students can explore a vast array of programs, including 70 undergraduate and 19 graduate degrees, with an impressive 71 specializations across various disciplines and professional fields. Beyond its extensive course catalog, the university boasts professionally accredited schools in Architecture, Law, Business Administration, Communication, Planning, and Information Sciences, ensuring rigorous, high-quality education that prepares graduates for leading roles in their respective fields.
Key Highlights
- ✦Puerto Rico's largest campus by student population and its first public university campus.
- ✦Consistently grants the largest number of doctorate degrees to Hispanic students under U.S. jurisdiction.
- ✦Serves over 18,000 students, with 20% pursuing graduate studies.
- ✦Offers a diverse academic portfolio including 70 undergraduate and 19 graduate degrees with 71 specializations.
- ✦Features professional schools accredited by leading national organizations (e.g., ABA for Law, NAAB for Architecture, ALA for Information Sciences).
- ✦A public land-grant research university established in 1903, with roots dating back to 1900.
- ✦Located on a large 289-acre campus in Río Piedras, San Juan.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
6 notable schools within University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras
School of Architecture
Offers a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Master of Architecture professional degree, accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
Graduate School of Business Administration (EGAE)
Educates aspiring entrepreneurs and business administrators.
School of Communication (COPU)
Established in 1972, it offers bachelor's and master's degrees in public communication.
School of Law
Accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
Graduate School of Planning (EGP)
Established in 1965, it covers areas of specialty including economic, regional, urban, social, and environmental planning.
Graduate School of Information Sciences and Technologies
Offers a Master of Information Sciences which is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).
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