UNC Charlotte’s online graduate programs have again received national recognition in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Online Master’s Degrees rankings, which were released Wednesday, Feb. 7.
Three master’s disciplines received U.S. News rankings, including top 50 recognition for education and nursing. Here’s a look at the new graduate program rankings:
Best Online Master’s in Education
The Cato College of Education again ranked No. 1 among master’s in education programs in North Carolina and No. 23 (tie) overall in U.S. News’ Best Online Master’s in Education ranking. The ranking includes data from 13 Charlotte online master’s programs or specializations.
In addition, the college was recognized for its special education programs, which ranked No. 16 (tie) in the Best Special Education specialty ranking, which is based on a survey of peer institutions across the country.
Best Online Master’s in Nursing
Online master’s programs in the School of Nursing ranked No. 26 (tie), rising 11 spots from 2023 in the Best Online Master’s in Nursing category.
This includes three programs: MSN in Community/Public Health Nursing, MSN in Nurse Educator and MSN in Nurse Administrator.
Best Online Master’s in Engineering
The William States Lee College of Engineering ranked No. 72 (tie) in the Best Online Master’s in Engineering category. The college offers an online Master of Science in Engineering Management and Master of Science in Construction & Facilities Engineering.
Growing to Serve Working Adults
UNC Charlotte provides more than 50 online degree programs, all geared toward working adults.
“As enrollment and offerings in UNC Charlotte online programs continue to grow to serve our region, state and beyond, we are pleased to see the University consistently recognized as one of the top providers of high-quality and affordable online programs in the U.S.,” said Jennifer Troyer, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “This illustrates UNC Charlotte’s university-wide commitment to supporting working adults as they continue their education and advance their careers. We’re proud of the hard work our dedicated faculty and staff have put in to develop online programs.”
Online programs are powered by the School of Professional Studies, which launched in 2021 to streamline the student experience for working professionals.
Over the last two years, Charlotte has launched an online MBA and three online bachelor’s degree completion programs: B.S. in Professional Studies, B.A. in Political Science and B.A. in Sociology: Concentration in Organizations, Occupations and Work.
Enrollment in Charlotte online programs has increased 36% over the past five years.
In its 12th year, the U.S. News Best Online Programs is designed for individuals looking to complete or further their education. U.S. News evaluated more than 1,600 online bachelor's and master's degree programs for the rankings.
According to the publication, while the methodologies are different for each discipline, they all incorporate metrics specific to online learning. Only degree-granting programs that are offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions are eligible.
This is the latest in a growing number of national rankings that illustrate UNC Charlotte’s rise as a top-tier global research university. In September, Charlotte climbed 41 spots in the U.S. News 2024 Best College rankings, achieving a spot among the nation’s top 100 public universities.
Charlotte has 22 programs or specialties ranked among the top 100 in the country, according to recent U.S. News & World Report rankings.
Nine graduate programs in the top 50:
- Online Special Education - No. 16 (tie)
- Online Master’s Education Programs - No. 23 (tie)
- Online Master’s Nursing Programs - No. 26
- Nursing - Anesthesia - No. 36
- Healthcare Management - No. 41
- Public Affairs - No. 46
- Local Government Management - No. 15
- Public Finance - No. 26
- Part-time MBA - No. 47
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