Indiana University’s Online Programs Recognized Nationally
In Bloomington, Indiana, Indiana University stands out as a prominent figure in online education, securing multiple top 10 spots in the 2024 U.S. News and World Report Best Online Program rankings.
The Kelley Direct Online MBA Program at IU’s Kelley School of Business clinched the top position as the best online MBA program in the United States for the third consecutive year. Alongside this achievement, five specialty programs also attained first or second place nationally. The IU School of Nursing’s master’s degree program secured the second spot nationally, with its online master’s degree in nursing education also ranking second nationwide. Furthermore, four specialty programs at the IU School of Education in Bloomington made it to the top 10 list.
IU’s online bachelor’s degrees claimed the first position in Indiana and ranked 20th nationally, underscoring the overall quality of IU Online degree programs.
IU President Pamela Whitten emphasized the university’s dedication to providing rigorous academic programs that prepare students for both personal and professional triumphs. By delivering top-notch and flexible academic programs, IU aims to foster talent pipelines in fields crucial for the economic prosperity of the state and the nation.
The Kelley Direct program has consistently secured the top rank seven times since 2013 when U.S. News initiated the ranking of online degree programs. This recent accolade further solidifies the program’s position at the forefront of online education.
The IU Kelley School of Business excelled in five specialty categories nationally:
- Finance: 1st place
- Marketing: 1st place
- Business and analytics: 2nd place
- General management: 2nd place
- Program serving veterans: 2nd place
The IU School of Nursing witnessed a significant rise in its rankings, with the master’s degree program climbing to second place from 10th in 2023. Apart from the recognition for the online master’s in nursing education, the online master’s degree in nursing administration and leadership secured the 11th spot.
The IU School of Nursing is actively involved in an ambitious initiative to expand its presence in Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Fort Wayne to meet the escalating demand for nursing professionals in the state.
At the IU School of Education in Bloomington, four specialty programs achieved top 10 national rankings:
- Educational/instructional media design: 3rd place
- Educational administration and supervision: 5th place
- Curriculum and instruction: 6th place
- Special education: 6th place
IU’s distance education programs garnered “Best” status due to their high rankings nationally in 16 categories. This includes a peer rating score of 3.6 out of 4 for overall bachelor’s degree programs, securing the 6th position. Additionally, the online bachelor’s degree in psychology from IU East’s psychology department ranked 8th nationally, while the collaborative online bachelor’s in business degree from IU’s five regional campuses claimed the 17th spot. The online master’s degree in criminal justice, offered collaboratively by multiple campuses, ranked 28th and received a peer rating of 20th.
Overall, IU received 18 national rankings in the top 20. The U.S. News rankings evaluated over 1,600 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs based on metrics specific to online learning, encompassing degree-granting programs primarily offered online by regionally accredited institutions.
Insights from University Representatives
Susan Sciame-Giesecke, Vice President for Regional Campuses and Online Education, highlighted the quality of IU’s online programs, emphasizing the commitment to offering courses taught by IU faculty members. The flexibility and high quality of IU Online programs cater to students of all ages and life stages, enabling them to pursue their educational aspirations and career advancement.
Ash Soni, Dean of the Kelley School, emphasized Kelley Direct’s continuous innovation in online education, providing students with personalized education experiences delivered by faculty and staff. The program’s unique features include real-time classes and immersive experiences both on campus and globally.
Robin Newhouse, Dean of the IU School of Nursing, stressed the importance of a robust master’s program in nurturing a skilled nursing workforce essential for advancing health care in Indiana. The national rankings reflect the excellence of faculty and alumni contributing significantly to various healthcare roles.
Anastasia Morrone, Dean of the IU School of Education in Bloomington, expressed delight in the national recognition of the programs, highlighting the institution’s commitment to delivering top-tier educational instruction and research while leading the way in the field of education.