Three of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s top online education programs gained increased recognition in rankings released Jan. 15 by U.S. News & World Report.
Chancellor Ronnie Green said the new rankings underscore Nebraska’s efforts to provide continuous and lifelong learning opportunities where students can pursue higher education while meeting their work and family commitments.
“These three graduate programs — in education, engineering and business — epitomize our commitment to workforce development and continuing education,” Green said. “I could not be more pleased by their recognition in the U.S. News rankings.”
Nebraska’s online Master of Business Administration program jumped 16 places to 26th, placing it in the top 10 percent of more than 300 programs evaluated by U.S. News.
“Jumping 16 spots in the U.S. News & World Report ranking exemplifies the investment we have made in our MBA at Nebraska program,” said Kathy Farrell, dean of the College of Business. “Our online MBA program is built on a purposeful curriculum with relevant, interactive classes taught by Big Ten faculty who lead conversations on the future of business. This ranking completes a trifecta of recognition for us with respected ranking publishers. Last spring, we were named No. 13 in the world by Financial Times, and this fall Poets & Quants ranked us No. 8 in the nation.”
Nebraska’s online graduate programs in education cracked the top 10, moving into a tie for ninth place among 311 schools evaluated, as compared to a 12th-place ranking in 2018.
Beth Doll, interim dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences, said the ranking reflects the expertise of the college’s faculty.
“CEHS faculty are skillful at using cutting-edge distance technology to build online course experiences that are highly engaging, rigorous, always thought-provoking and immediately relevant to our students’ daily lives,” she said.
Nebraska’s online graduate engineering program, for a Master of Engineering Management degree, also remained highly ranked, moving into 28th place among 96 programs evaluated. The program was ranked 29th in 2018.
“We’re pleased that the Master of Engineering Management degree program continues to be recognized among the best in the nation, as we have designed it specifically for practicing engineers to enhance their leadership and strategic planning skills,” said Daniel Linzell, associate dean for graduate and international programs for the College of Engineering. “This degree program is important to the college, as it provides another opportunity to connect more closely with professionals and industry in the state and beyond.”
U.S. News also evaluated online bachelor’s degree programs, ranking Nebraska’s programs 42nd among 367 schools with online programs.
In ranking online programs, U.S. News considers engagement, or students’ ability to interact with faculty and classmates; support services and distance-learning technology; faculty credentials and training; and expert opinion from high-ranking academic officials. The graduate program rankings also evaluated student excellence, or the aptitude, accomplishments and ambitions of students selected for the program.
