University of Dubuque to Launch UD Global, A 100% Online Learning Platform

DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque is expanding access to high-quality education beyond the traditional campus experience with UD Global, a new online learning platform for students seeking a 100% online education.

"UD Global was designed to meet the evolving needs of today's students by offering flexible online degree programs that maintain the same academic rigor, faculty support, and institutional standards as our on-campus offerings. This allows students to balance their education with work, family, and other commitments while still earning a respected University of Dubuque degree," said Corrie Rindone, MBA, director of online learning.

UD Global will launch summer 2026 with a bachelor of science in cybersecurity and a bachelor of business administration in business. Both programs show strong workforce demand and career growth, which align closely with what today's students are seeking.

"Launching UD Global with these two high-demand programs allows the University of Dubuque to meet critical workforce needs while providing students with a flexible, career-relevant education," Rindone said. "There will be additional programs added to UD Global in the future."

The first UD Global classes begin Monday, May 4, 2026. Sessions will be eight weeks long with students taking two courses per session. Part-time students will be able to take one course per session.

"When students choose UD Global, they are fully integrated into the University of Dubuque's Spartans community, regardless of their physical location," Rindone said. "This means they have access to the same high-quality instruction from UD faculty, personalized academic advising, tutoring services, career development resources, and student support services as our on-campus students. UD Global students can also engage in meaningful connections through virtual events, collaborative coursework, and student organizations, ensuring they experience the same sense of belonging, support, and school pride that defines the Spartans experience."

UD Global builds upon an established commitment of helping undergraduate, graduate, and theological students find their calling in life. With UD Global, expertise from UD's traditional undergraduate and graduate programs, adult learner LIFE HyFlex program, and seminary programs, which have included distance education for over 20 years, will be extended to a wider audience.

"We already have a wealth of faculty knowledge, administrative experience, and student support capabilities to meet the needs of a student body that is 100% online," said Lisa Nachtman Loney (C'13), MBA, director of advising, faculty development, and assessment

In addition to qualified instructors who are current UD faculty and adjuncts, UD Global will maintain a continuous search for subject-matter experts and esteemed professionals to add to the instructor pool.

"Most UD Global students are already in the workforce and looking to instructors to provide relevant, real-world experience alongside the core instruction of any given course," Nachtman Loney said. "We strive to recruit community leaders across professional sectors to enhance that learning experience through perspective and context."

For more information on UD Global or to apply today, please visit www.dbq.edu/Academics/UDGlobal/.