U.S. News & World Report recently published results from their annual college review for a highly anticipated “2017 Best Online Programs.” The list, an analysis of U.S. higher education options for nontraditional learners, named the University of Oklahoma #3 among the best online programs in 2017.
U.S. News & World Report, a multiplatform publisher of news and information, considered 311 schools in their evaluation. The schools chosen for review submitted information that would be relevant to adult students.
“For working adults with some college credit, completing a four-year degree online may be the most practical way to obtain the knowledge and credentials needed to boost their careers,” U.S. News & World Report stated. “The 2017 edition of the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs can help prospective students select the schools that are right for them. The vast majority of students enrolled in these ranked programs have earned at least some college credit. They are more likely to be working professionals in their 20s to 40s looking to advance in or change their careers than be first-time college students.”
To help these nontraditional students in their college search, this year’s list ranked U.S. online degree programs based on a number of factors uniquely relevant to working adults. Unlike traditional lists that examine high school class rank or standardized test scores, the “2017 Best Online Programs” list considered graduation rates, time to degree completion, student indebtedness and faculty credentials. Other categories measured included student engagement, support services, peer reputation and technological infrastructure.
The best programs were found to be flexible and creative in their delivery and were effective at awarding affordable degrees in a reasonable amount of time. Learn more about OU’s online programs or see the full list of programs that ranked in the 2017 U.S. News Best Online Programs list.
But wait, there’s more!
MSCJ Program Ranks #5 for Best Online Criminal Justice Programs
In addition to the University of Oklahoma ranking #3 in best online programs overall, criminal justice students will be happy to hear that CLS’ MSCJ program ranked #5 for “Best Online Criminal Justice Programs (and Criminology).”
Student engagement, faculty credentials and training, student services and technology, admission selectivity and peer reputation were all metrics considered in the ranking decision.
“Quality online criminal justice programs promote participation in courses, allowing students opportunities to readily interact with their instructors and classmates, as is possible in a campus-based setting,” said U.S. News & World Report. “In turn, instructors are not only accessible and responsive, but they are also tasked with helping to create an experience rewarding enough that students stay enrolled and complete their degrees in a reasonable amount of time.”
