Georgia Southern University’s online graduate programs in business, education, information technology and nursing have been ranked among the nation’s best in the first edition of Top Online Education Program rankings by U.S. News & World Report.
According to the publication, “These rankings were created in response to today’s high demand for education provided in a flexible manner. With many distractions to detract from one’s schooling, online education has become increasingly popular due to its flexibility.”
“Georgia Southern has long been recognized for its outstanding campus-based programs, but this ranking confirms that our online graduate programs in business, education, IT and nursing are among the best in the nation,” said Brooks Keel, Ph.D., president of Georgia Southern University. “Georgia Southern has invested in innovative online programs that not only provide students with access to a respected Georgia Southern degree, but provide them with the ability to earn it from anywhere in the world.”
Georgia Southern’s online Master of Science in computer science was ranked in the top 25 nationally for student services and technology, in the top 10 for teaching practices and student engagement and in the top five for admissions selectivity.
The university’s online graduate programs in education were ranked in the top 15 for student services and technology, in the top 35 for faculty credentials and training, the top 20 for teaching practices and student engagement and in the top 20 nationally for admissions selectivity.
Georgia Southern’s online graduate programs in nursing were ranked in the top 80 for student services and technology and in the top 50 for teaching practices and student engagement.
The university’s growing number of online graduate degree programs in business including its WebMBA and Master of Science in applied economics ranked in the top 100. Its programs received a top 50 national ranking for faculty credentials and training.
“While the rankings did not rank overall institution offerings, they do rank our programs in various categories and we are very pleased to be included among the nation’s best,” said Charles Patterson, Ph.D., vice president for research and economic development. “The rankings are a reflection of the work that our outstanding faculty and staff have put into creating and expanding these programs.”
In order to be considered for the rankings, online degree programs had to offer at least 80 percent of their course content online.
The online master’s degree programs were ranked in similar categories, but were evaluated on student engagement and accreditation as opposed to assessment. There was also a separate indicator ranking for admissions selectivity. For more information, visit: http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education.
Future growth
Last year, Georgia Southern expanded its online programs with the launch of an Ed.S. in instructional technology and the fully online Bachelor of General Studies. The University is also planning to introduce several new programs in Fall 2012.
“Many of our online students are members of the military, business leaders, IT professionals, engineers, nurses, medical professionals and teachers who are looking to advance in their chosen career field. Georgia Southern’s online programs allow them the flexibility they need to earn their degree while continuing to manage their career, family and other commitments,” Keel said.
