The online MBA program at UNL’s College of Business Administration was No. 12 in the world in the Financial Times’ inaugural ranking of business schools. UNL’s program also was No. 2 in the world for its value, according to the publication.
The rankings, released March 10, ranked the top 15 online MBA programs that offer a credible alternative to residential MBA programs. The recognition, CBA dean Donde Plowman said, is significant.
“It demonstrates how the world is noticing the outstanding quality of our business programs at UNL,” Plowman said. “It’s been fantastic to watch our MBA program consistently be ranked among the best in the world in online education.”
The ranking was based on two surveys of colleges and its recent alumni. The surveys assess the profile of the program’s students, their career development, academic experience, the degree of diversity and quality of the faculty, among others. Alumni also were asked to rate how well their program was delivered online and to evaluate the level of interaction they experienced with academic staff.
“The online MBA program’s ranking of second in the world for value is a truly outstanding accomplishment,” said Gordon Karels, associate dean for graduate programs. “Value was calculated according to the salary increase resulting from the completion of the degree relative to the fees and other costs associated with the program. It is really a measure of the cost weighted quality of the program.”
As an early adopter in online education, CBA made it a priority to give students flexibility in completing their Big Ten degree, Plowman said.
“We want our MBA students to know they are getting the same quality program, taught by the same world-renowned professors, whether they are earning it in the classroom, online or a combination of both,” she said.
Other recent rankings for the online MBA program include No. 6 in the nation and No. 3 for veterans by U.S. News and World Report.
The Financial Times 2014 Online MBA Rankings are available here.
