UF's leadership in online programs reflected in latest U.S. News rankings
Two online programs at the University of Florida are among the top 10 nationally and two others improved their standing in the latest U.S News & World Report rankings released today.
Of particular note, UF ranked No. 1 in the Best Online Graduate Education Programs category, a rise from No. 13 in 2015, when the program improved from No. 47.
Meanwhile, two UF online programs – Online Bachelor’s and Online Graduate Engineering – also improved over last year, moving from 13th to 11th place and from 56th to 44th place, respectively.
Andy McCollough, UF associate provost for teaching and technology, said the latest rankings are an affirmation that the university is continuing to deliver excellence in online education.
“These results bear witness to the hard work of the faculty and staff engaged in online programs at UF,” McCollough said. “We are continuing to build on the excellent reputation we enjoy not only among our peers, but in the online industry as well.”
UF also placed fourth this year in the Best Online MBA Programs category.
UF offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees via distance and online learning. Applicants must meet UF’s general admission requirements, as well as those specified by the individual degree program.
In January 2014, the university launched UF Online specifically for undergraduate students. With 14 bachelor’s degrees fully online including Business Administration, Computer Science and Environmental Management, UF Online is one of the first such programs in the country offered by a major public research university.
Criteria considered in calculating program rankings vary by level and discipline and can include factors such as student engagement, faculty credentials and training, peer reputation and student services and technology. Complete criteria for each program are available online at http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/articles/rankings-methodologies. The complete rankings are available online at http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education.