For the fourth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Oklahoma’s online bachelor’s degree program as one of the top 10 in the country out of more than 350 universities nationwide.
A number of other online degree programs at OU earned high marks in U.S. News’ “2020 Best Online Programs” rankings, which were released Jan. 14.
In its analysis of higher education options for nontraditional learners, U.S. News ranked OU Extended Campus No. 7 in the category of overall best online bachelor’s programs, and No. 5 in the listing for best online bachelor’s programs for veterans.
OU’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice, also administered by OU Extended Campus, placed No. 8 in the rankings for best online master’s criminal justice programs and No. 6 in the category for best online master’s criminal justice programs for veterans.
“At OU, we are incredibly proud of our online programs, and it is gratifying to earn national recognition,” said OU Interim President Joseph Harroz Jr. “Our goal is to continue developing innovative approaches to learning, and the achievements of our online programs provide further evidence of our success. Our consistent recognition as a top program for veterans reflects our enduring commitment to our students who have served our country in uniform.”
Martha Banz, interim dean and associate provost for OU Extended Campus, said being ranked in the top 10 for the fourth consecutive year is testament to the program’s quality.
“The competition is fierce, and remaining in the top 10 for multiple ranking areas is acknowledgement of the high caliber of our online programs,” Banz said. “Making an OU education accessible to nontraditional students has been central to our college’s mission for more than 50 years, and this designation is a profound tribute to the dedication of our faculty and staff.”
Additional online degree programs offered by OU earned impressive placements in the U.S. News rankings:
• No. 41 Best Online Master’s Information Technology Programs – administered by the Gallogly College of Engineering
• No. 55 Best Online Master’s Business Programs (non-MBA) – administered by the Michael F. Price College of Business
• No. 66 Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs – administered by the Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing
U.S. News & World Report evaluated more than 1,600 online degree programs to create the rankings list – an all-time high. The assessment measured overall academic quality and evaluated varying disciplines, such as business and criminal justice.
To help nontraditional students in their college search, this year’s list ranked U.S. online degree programs based on factors unique to working adults, including student engagement, faculty credentials and training, technology and services, and expert opinion.
A full list of programs that ranked in the 2020 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs is available by visiting www.usnews.com/education/online-education.