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Leaders in Online Learning
Programs recognized by U.S. News Best Online Programs Rankings
By Adam S. Kamras
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Five University of Delaware online graduate degree programs were ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in its 2023 U.S. News Best Online Programs Rankings.
Based on categories of engagement, peer assessment, faculty credentials and training, student excellence, and services and technologies, programs are evaluated using data reported by the institutions to U.S. News in statistical surveys and from data collected in separate peer assessment surveys.
"The University of Delaware has a long history of offering outstanding graduate programs,” said Louis F. Rossi, dean of UD’s Graduate College and vice provost for graduate and professional education. “We know that there are many people who would like to benefit from our graduate programs and, because of their schedule or the distance they live from our campus, our online options provide them with the best opportunity to do so. Where it is possible, we want to bring UD’s unique and exceptional offerings to the world.”
“We are pleased that our UD Online degrees remain highly ranked by U.S. News,” said George Irvine, UD associate vice provost for Professional and Continuing Studies and online initiatives. “It is a testament to UD’s accomplished faculty, high-quality teaching and course design, and great educational outcomes for our students.”
2023 U.S. News Best Online Programs Rankings — 20th Best Online Master’s in Education Program • 33rd Best Online MBA Program • 66th Best Online Business Program • 67th Best Online Master’s in Engineering Program • 109th Best Online Master’s in Nursing Program
Education
UD offers four online master of education degrees in literacy, teacher leadership, educational technology, and exceptional children and youth. “This year, our college jumped eight places in the rankings, which places our programs within the top 20 of more than 330 programs across the nation,” said Gary T. Henry, dean of the College of Education and Human Development and professor in the School of Education and the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration. “Unlike many online programs, our programs are designed and primarily taught by full-time faculty, many of whom are recognized as leading experts in online education, committed to developing programs that are both engaging and responsive to our students’ needs as education professionals.”
MBA
The UD Online MBA program features intensive seven-week terms, advanced digital curriculum with robust interaction with faculty and peers, and access to personal career coaching. “There are now over 350 accredited online MBA programs,” said Bruce Weber, dean of UD’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics. “It speaks to the high standards of the Lerner program that it is ranked 33rd in the latest rankings. Placing in the top 40 shows students and our stakeholders that the Lerner Online MBA is a first-rate learning opportunity that opens rewarding career paths.”
Business
UD’s online master’s in accounting practice program, focused on financial reporting, management and database design, enables students to gain expertise in the understanding of accounting, the assurance function, tax regulations, business law and the business environment. Program graduates are able to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam. The online master’s in international business program features core courses on globalization, business strategies and market research, while allowing students to selectively focus on business fundamentals, finance and healthcare. “The fact that [these programs] were recognized for the first time out of 224 programs is a testament to the high-quality experience we provide for the online learner,” said Jack Baroudi, senior associate dean for academic programs of UD’s Lerner College.
Engineering
UD’s online graduate engineering programs are offered in applied bioinformatics, biomedical informatics and data science, railroad engineering, cybersecurity, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and composites manufacturing and engineering. Online students take the same courses that full-time, on-campus engineering students take, enabling synergy between research and industry. “Our new ranking is a testament to the quality of and growing interest in online programs that we offer,” said Levi Thompson, dean of the College of Engineering. “Our online curricula are preparing students to immediately succeed in today’s workforce after completing their degrees, and they can participate in courses from almost anywhere in the world.”
Nursing
The master of science in nursing prepares nurses for advanced practice roles in today’s complex healthcare systems, emphasizing the clinical progression of
patients, care transitions and processes, and evidenced-based practice. Courses are offered in a hybrid format with clinical rotations in each student’s state of residency. “We prepare nurses to meet societal healthcare needs through a robust, holistic curriculum that allows our students to learn and hone skills that will enhance the lives of their patients,” said Elizabeth Speakman, chair of UD’s School of Nursing. “We are honored to be recognized as among the best in the country.”
About online learning at UD
UD counts itself among the leaders of online and distance learning, from its original launch in 1988 with videotaped lectures for a few degree programs, evolving and expanding into today’s dynamic virtual classroom. UD Online offerings now encompass hundreds of classes and new online degrees launched every year.
For more information about online programs at the University of Delaware, visit https://online.udel.edu/.
Associate in Arts Online offers degree-earning opportunity
By Nora Zelluk
If you were to Google “I want to go back to earn a college degree, but where should I start?” there is no shortage of suggestions and advice on the topic.
For many working professionals and adult students, a welcome answer to that search question has been provided by the University of Delaware’s Associate in Arts Online degree program, which offers an opportunity to earn a two-year UD degree that can serve as a potential building block for a four-year degree.
With a mantra of “A UD degree is closer than you think,” the Associate in Arts Online is a liberal arts degree representing completion of approximately half of a UD bachelor of arts degree. Most students find that many of their previous college credits are transferable into the program, and they are able to
begin coursework prior to formal admission. Prospective students work with advisors in UD’s ACCESS Center to develop an educational plan, evaluate any prior college coursework for potential transfer, and generally plan ahead since many students ultimately end up pursuing a bachelor’s degree. There is no cost for advisement and academic support provided by the ACCESS Center.
“It is so rewarding to work with students in this program,” said Michelle Parnell, director of student services for the ACCESS Center. “The Associate in Arts Online is a great opportunity for adults to take courses toward an associate degree while managing everyday commitments, often balancing work, family and other responsibilities while pursuing their education. The online format allows students the flexibility they need, and while some find that the degree meets their educational goals, others ultimately apply the credits they earned toward a bachelor’s degree.”
“This program serves as a great intermediate goal for many students who may initially be overwhelmed by the prospect of finishing a bachelor’s degree,” said Trish Moore, academic advisor in UD’s ACCESS Center. “It gives students an achievable goal after just 60 credits, after which they can decide if they want to continue with more education.”
“Most of the students I have worked with have decided to continue, because they’ve finally experienced academic success— when they may not have had success in their prior college experiences—and are highly motivated to continue to complete this long-awaited item on their bucket list,” added Moore.
