The online programs offered by the UM School of Education provide flexible options that allow students to fit course work into their professional schedules and earn advanced degrees. Photo by Robert Jordan/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
OXFORD, Miss. – U.S. News & World Report has ranked the University of Mississippi among the nation’s best online graduate degrees in education for the second year in a row.
Ranked at No. 32 among public institutions, UM is in the top 10 percent of institutions nationwide and is tied with Ball State University, Georgia State University, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, University of Massachusetts at Boston, University of Northern Colorado and the University of Texas at Arlington. More than 300 institutions are included in the rankings, and UM ranked No. 35 overall among public and private institutions.
“Our top ranking demonstrates that we are committed to both quality and affordability for our students,” said David Rock, UM education dean. “Our faculty are exceptional and they continue to work hard to provide accessible programs that stimulate 21st century learning.”
Six graduate programs and two certificate programs are offered online through the School of Education:
- Master of Arts in Higher Education
- Master of Arts in Teaching (secondary)
- Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
- Master of Education/Specialist in Education in Educational Leadership
- Master of Education with an emphasis in elementary education
- Specialist in Counselor Education with an emphasis in play therapy
- Graduate certificate in special education/emotional disability
- Graduate certificate in gifted education
By offering graduate degrees online, the school presents flexible options allowing students to fit course work into their professional schedules. The School of Education offered its first online graduate program, a master’s degree in elementary education, in 2010.
“Our online-delivered programs employ alternative methods of delivering course content, including Internet learning systems, audio and video conferencing, and an assortment of streaming media content,” said John Holleman, the school’s director of graduate studies. “In addition, we believe our online programs are cost-effective; we employ a flat tuition rate, regardless of a student’s state of residency.”
Online graduate education programs were ranked based on five general categories by U.S. News and World Report: engagement, services and technologies, expert opinion, student excellence, and faculty credentials and training. Last year, UM jumped more than 120 spots from its 2018 ranking and has remained a top program this year.
“Ole Miss has a century-and-a-half of campus-based instruction combined with embracing technology as a means to enhance learning and become more productive,” Holleman said. “Combining the tradition and rich history of our on-campus instruction with online learning positions us as the ‘bricks and clicks’ alternative to solely online universities.”
Ole Miss also offers three hybrid Doctor of Education programs in higher education, secondary mathematics education and educational leadership. These courses combine online and face-to-face learning during weekend classes to accommodate students’ different schedules.
“I strongly believe that we offer some of the best graduate programs, both online and face-to-face in the country,” Rock said. “Our faculty provide a dynamic experience and work to meet the needs of working professionals.”
For more information about U.S. News & World Report rankings visit http://www.usnews.com/.
For more information about graduate programs at the School of Education, visit http://rebelteacher.com/.
About aabernathy