About 2U, Inc.

As the parent company of edX, a leading global online learning platform, 2U provides over 46 million learners with access to world-class education in partnership with more than 230 colleges, universities, and companies. Our people and technology are powering more than 4,000 digital education offerings — from free courses to full degrees — and helping unlock human potential. To learn more: visit 2U.com.

The Yale School of Medicine began collaborating with 2U, Inc. to support Yale PA Online, in 2015. 2U provides support in the following ways:

Students in the Yale School of Medicine’s PA Online Program access a virtual campus for their classes, coursework, and networking. The platform, which is available from most internet-enabled devices, is powered by 2U and features an online classroom that brings students face-to-face for live class sessions. Yale PA Online Program faculty members develop and lead program instruction, which is designed with intuitive, familiar features that foster connection and collaboration.

In preparation for live class discussions, students watch content created by Yale PA Online faculty in collaboration with 2U. Together, Yale professors and the 2U team develop a delivery method that is custom-made for the hybrid program, ensuring that all content takes advantage of the latest available technologies.

Course content is not simply a series of recorded lectures but an interactive learning experience. Coursework includes video case studies, discussions between professors and students, faculty presentations, and interactive elements in which professors can see students’ progress and leave comments and feedback leading up to the live class sessions.

The Yale PA Online faculty work with 2U to identify and reach the most qualified candidates across the country. 2U’s marketing and recruiting efforts support Yale’s goal of finding outstanding and diverse students who are most likely to succeed in the hybrid physician assistant program. 2U also provides an online application and application management system, which ensures a seamless process for applicants and for the Yale faculty and staff who review candidates. As with all Yale programs, Yale faculty review applications for the hybrid program, and the Yale School of Medicine makes all admissions decisions.

2U prepares faculty to deliver classes and course materials through the online platform so that they are best able to use the tools available in the virtual classroom. 2U also offers orientation to all online students before classes begin. Dedicated support continues throughout the program, with technical support available during every live session. Outside the classroom, 2U offers Yale access to geo-targeting tools that assist in finding students’ clinical rotation sites across the country.