UH Graduate Online Education Programs No. 1 in U.S. News & World Report Rankings

Annual Rankings Consider Reputation, Faculty, Student Engagement

For the second year, the University of Houston College of Education’s graduate online programs have been ranked number one by the U.S. News & World Report (USNWR). The magazine released its list of Best Online Programs for 2016.

“This recognition underscores the commitment our faculty have to offer innovative, high quality, online learning experiences,” said Robert McPherson, dean of the college. “Our students experience academically rigorous coursework that is relevant to their careers. It is making a difference.”

The college’s graduate online programs topped the USNWR rankings last year as well.

Online graduate courses are available in Special Education and Higher Education from the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, and Early Childhood Education, Health Science Education and Mathematics Education from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

From July 2014 to June 2015, 108 students enrolled in the college’s online graduate programs, which graduate nearly 30 students a year. The online venue has grown in popularity as students seek ways to maximize their time, taking courses when it is most convenient for them.

“We are extremely proud of our program and honored by this recognition,” said Catherine Horn, associate chair in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. “The Master’s of Education in High Education program has a fundamental belief in the transformational nature of higher education and models that commitment through the online program experience.”  

The magazine based its rankings on five categories: student engagement, student services and technology, faculty credentials and training, admissions selectivity and peer reputation.

To read the rankings, visit www.usnews.com/online.