Auburn’s online programs receive top rankings from 'U.S. News & World Report'

Expansion of online graduate and undergraduate offerings continues

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Auburn University’s online graduate programs are among the nation’s best, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Online Program rankings released today.

Online programs that received high marks include the Harbert College of Business’ MBA program at No. 9 and non-MBA, No. 13; Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, No. 12; and College of Education, No. 22.

Harbert College also ranks No. 5 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans and No. 7 among the Best Online Graduate Business Programs for Veterans, while the College of Education ranks No. 6 among Best Online Education Programs for Veterans. The College of Engineering’s computer science and software engineering online program ranks No. 20 among Best Online Graduate Information Technology Programs.

"Online education remains a vital part of our academic mission as we continue to build high-quality, competitive programs that support the changing needs of working professionals and students,” said Bill Hardgrave, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “These rankings recognize our institution’s commitment to expanding educational access while maintaining the academic rigor and integrity of an Auburn degree.”

More than 150 Auburn faculty teach over 300 online courses each year. In addition to numerous graduate programs, the university currently offers three online undergraduate completer programs—a bachelor of science in business administration, an RN to BSN, and a bachelor of computer science—for students and professionals who have earned some college credits and want to complete their degrees at Auburn.

The U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings are based on each program’s reputation, admissions selectivity and faculty credentials, with some consideration of other factors that can improve online learning. Only programs in which all the required coursework could be completed via distance education were considered for the rankings.

Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.