The University of Georgia placed several programs in the top 10 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Online Programs rankings released Feb. 7.
The annual survey recognizes bachelor’s and master’s degree programs as well as specialties within certain programs. The list also highlights the best programs for veterans. The survey rates higher education institutions on categories of engagement, services and technology, faculty credentials and peer assessment.
“The University of Georgia is committed to providing students a world-class learning experience, whether on campus or online,” said S. Jack Hu, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “We’re proud that our online programs are ranked among the best in the nation, and we’re excited to provide working professionals and other nontraditional students with opportunities to advance their careers with a degree from Georgia’s flagship university.”
UGA’s Terry College of Business earned a No. 4 ranking for Best Online Master’s in Business Programs for the second consecutive year. The ranking, which positions UGA as No. 2 among public universities, is based on Terry’s online master’s degree in business and technology. The program combines instruction in business management and internet technology to prepare graduates to lead teams that build technology-based solutions.
The Mary Frances Early College of Education’s online graduate programs earned high marks in several specialty categories:
- No. 2 in Best Online Master’s in Educational/Instructional Media Design Programs
- No. 5 in Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration and Supervision
- No. 8 in Best Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Education Programs
- No. 9 in Best Online Master’s in Special Education Programs
The College of Education’s master’s programs ranked No. 15 overall, and those same programs ranked No. 5 as the best online master’s in education programs for veterans.
The Best Online Program for Veterans rankings are based on the same factors as the Best Online Programs rankings, but also consider an institution’s ability to make college more affordable and accessible through the GI Bill, scholarships and financial aid programs designed for military students.
UGA improved in the overall bachelor’s online programs ranking, rising to No. 13 from No. 14. This ranking is based on the university’s online bachelor’s in special education, which allows individuals currently employed as paraprofessionals to earn a degree that advances their careers.
UGA launched several new online programs in high-demand areas in 2023, including an online MBA offered by the Terry College of Business, a master’s of public health offered by the College of Public Health and several new programs offered by the College of Education.
“We are just starting to scratch the surface of offering high-quality online graduate programs targeted towards better serving Georgia and the nation,” said Andy Borst, vice provost for enrollment management. “Our Office of Online Learning is working closely with faculty to design new programs in an intentional and methodical way that will one day be listed among these rankings of the nation’s best online programs.”
In 2000, the online Master of Business and Technology and online Master of Food Technology were among the first degree programs offered online at UGA. The College of Education launched its first online master’s in adult education degree program in 2001. Today, UGA offers 27 graduate degree programs and 19 graduate certificate programs. For more information about UGA’s online programs, visit https://online.uga.edu.