Ohio University’s growing online programs have joined the nation’s best in U.S. News and World Report’s “2018 Best Online Programs rankings.”
Four of the University’s master’s programs – education, engineering, business administration, and business (non-MBA) - were ranked among the top 100 programs in the nation in the rankings released today. The University’s online bachelor’s programs also joined the rankings.
The programs are among 20, ranging from associate’s to master’s and beyond, the University currently offers, and another 20 are moving toward being launched, said Ohio University Senior Vice Provost for Instructional Innovation Bradley Cohen.
“Ohio University is quickly becoming a national destination for online education at all levels,” Cohen said. “Feedback from students makes clear they appreciate the quality of the courses and the opportunities for meaningful interaction with faculty and peers that are the hallmarks of our programs. While the Athens Campus remains the heart of the University, OHIO is truly a global institution, and our innovative faculty are dedicated to helping students meet their lifelong learning needs."
Cohen said that of the 36,000 students at OHIO, approximately 43 percent are enrolled in some online class, and of those, about 24 percent are enrolled exclusively online. About one-third of University faculty regularly teach online, ensuring that all students get the same high-quality education, regardless of their location.
“Ohio University delivers a high-quality educational experience for thousands of students, and expanding those offerings is a priority,” Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis said. “The latest rankings show that we are already a top-tier institution for a wide variety of students all over the world and have a solid foundation for continued growth.”
The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education led OHIO’s rankings, placing 18th out of more than 300 online graduate programs nationally. The Patton College offers online master’s degrees in curriculum and instruction, reading education, coaching education and soccer coaching education, among other online offerings.
“The Patton College’s faculty and staff have worked tirelessly to develop and implement comprehensive online programs that benefit students all over the world. To be nationally ranked 18 is a validation of the efforts of our faculty to have a global impact,” said Patton College Dean Renée A. Middleton. "Students can achieve their goals within our newly renovated classrooms, sure, but it is extremely gratifying to know that our educational impact extends well beyond Athens and Southeast Ohio. We're located in the Midwest, but our reach and reputation is global.”
The Russ College of Engineering and Technology placed 36th in the nation in the rankings. It offers master’s degrees in civil engineering, electrical engineering and engineering management.
“The Master of Engineering Management program, in particular, has been in existence for decades in one form or another, and it’s gratifying that its online version is consistently performing so well,” said Russ College of Engineering and Technology Dean Dennis Irwin. “This is due to the dedication of the Industrial and Systems Engineering faculty.”
Ohio University’s College of Business was honored with a pair of rankings, 63rd for its non-MBA online business programs and 89th for the MBA program. The College offers master’s degrees in athletic administration, and business administration and a professional master of sports administration.
“In five short years, our Online MBA program has grown significantly and now competes with some of the top programs in the world,” said Hugh Sherman, dean of the College of Business. “Our flexible online business programs continue to grow stronger every year. This includes our new MBA concentrations that allow students to specialize in topics like business analytics. They’re an incredible value for working professionals in Ohio.”
OHIO was also ranked 264th for its online bachelor’s programs as the University continues to add to its offerings. The rankings were compiled from information gathered by U.S. News and World Report in the summer and fall of 2017.