Several Indiana University Online programs ranked in the top 50 in the new U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 list of the Best Online Education Programs.
IU’s online programs are extensive, offering more than 135 degrees and certificates online. In the fall of 2019, more than 32,000 students were enrolled in at least one IU Online program, and more than 8,700 of those are enrolled exclusively in IU Online classes, according to an IU press release.
"We are pleased to announce that Indiana University's online programs again occupy top spots in the Best Online Education Program rankings," said John S. Applegate, executive vice president for university academic affairs in the release. "We are committed to providing an authentic IU experience to all students who want or need an online education."
The IU Online bachelor’s degree program is also ranked 23rd on the list, an increase by 20 spots from last year’s list. This online program is tied with five other programs in the 2020 list.
U.S. News & World Report rankings for bachelor’s degrees are based on four criteria: student engagement with faculty and each other, services and technologies, faculty credentials and training and expert opinion.
Among the top ranked programs, the Kelley School of Business remains number one for online MBA programs, according to the press release. The school’s master of science is ranked second.
The Kelley online programs are taught by the same professors that teach the on-campus program. The online program offers seven dual degree tracks and more than 60 course. They also include Kelley Connect Weeks, when students are encouraged to come to the Bloomington campus for a weeklong seminar during the first and second years of the program.
The Kelley Direct Program began in 1999 and was the first online MBA program offered by a top-ranked business school, according to the release. Since then, almost 4,500 students have earned MBAs through the program and more than 1,000 have earned their master of science degrees, according to the press release.
Kelley School of Business Dean Idalene “Idie” Kesner said in the release it was gratifying for the school’s programs to be recognized.
“In an ever increasingly competitive market, we're always looking at how we can best enable our students to achieve their professional and personal goals,” Kesner said.
The IU School of Education online program rose nearly 20 spots on the list from last year, ranking 26th. Online education students can specialize in various areas including Instructional Systems Technology and Higher Education. The School of Education rose to first in Education/Instructional Media Design, fifth in Special Education and seventh in Administration.
“As we continue to explore ways to bring access and high-quality programs to various student populations in Indiana and throughout the world, it is very rewarding to see the impact of our faculty commitment be recognized,” said Lemuel W. Watson, Provost Professor and dean of the IU School of Education in the release.
The online graduate program for the School of Nursing is also ranked at 31st.
