Four of FSU’s online graduate programs among nation’s Top 20

By Amy Farnum-Patronis, Florida State University News

Four of Florida State University’s online graduate programs are ranking in the nation’s Top 20, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Best Online Programs.

“It is very exciting to see our online graduate programs recognized among the top 20 in the nation,” said Robert Fuselier, director of the Office of Distance Learning. “This honor reflects the hard work our faculty, advisers and staff dedicate toward providing an exceptional learning experience for our distance learning students.”

FSU’s master’s degree in criminal justice studies checked in at No. 8 nationally and No. 6 among public universities. The College of Criminology and Criminal Justice’s online graduate program combines a first-rate faculty with the flexibility of the distance-learning environment.

“We remain both honored and pleased with our outstanding faculty and their dedication to our students,” said Thomas Blomberg, dean of the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice and Sheldon L. Messinger Professor of Criminology. “The college’s continued appearance among these top-ranked graduate programs shows our commitment to success and to embracing innovative ways to teach, learn and grow.”

The College of Communication and Information’s online graduate program in information technology moved up five spots to No. 9 — No. 5 among public universities — in the category of computer information technology. The Master of Science in Information Technology degree is offered by the college’s School of Information.

“It is great to see the planning and hard work of the faculty, staff and students in this program get recognized,” said Larry Dennis, dean of the College of Communication and Information. “Our faculty and staff’s focus on student success continues to pay off for our students and alumni.”

The College of Education’s online graduate program earned a No. 15 ranking — No. 14 among public universities. The college offers online programs in curriculum and instruction, educational leadership and policy, instructional systems and learning technologies, and educational psychology.

The College of Education also secured the No. 4 spot for Best Online Master’s Education Programs for Veterans.

“Our sustained position as one of the top online graduate programs in the country illustrates our commitment to providing students with an exceptional educational experience,” said Damon Andrew, dean of the College of Education. “We continue to offer innovative online programs, such as our M.S. in curriculum and instruction and our Ed.D. in educational leadership and policy, that meet the needs of education professionals.”

The College of Education also has individual graduate programs that are ranked among the top in the nation. These areas include educational/instructional media design (1), educational administration and supervision (6), curriculum & instruction (6) and special education (16).

“Our highly ranked programs reflect our commitment to be student focused and innovation driven,” Andrew said. “Our programs will prepare students to make a positive impact on future generations.”

The College of Business’ online graduate programs in management information systems and risk management and insurance checked in at No. 12 and placed No. 9 among public institutions. The college’s online MBA program was listed at No. 27 overall and No. 21 among publics.

“We are proud to be in such elite company, especially when you consider the increasing competition,” said Michael Hartline, dean of the College of Business. “Hundreds of public and private schools now offer their graduate business programs online. We credit our history of success to our stellar faculty and our ability to provide a meaningful education at an affordable cost.”

The methodology for assessing online programs included factors such as student engagement, faculty credentials and training, student services and technology, peer reputation and admissions selectivity.

For more information on Florida State’s highly ranked online graduate programs, visit https://online.fsu.edu/programs.