U of A Online Programs Rank Well Nationally and Climb in Engineering
Stella Chirwa shares her excitement about graduating from the U of A at the May 2024 reception for graduates who studied online. Photo by Global Campus.
The University of Arkansas climbed 11 spots to No. 31 in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Online Programs” ranking for master’s degree programs in engineering. Online bachelor’s and master’s education programs ranked well.
The College of Engineering’s online master’s degree programs tied with the University of Alabama and West Texas A&M University for the 31st spot in the nation among 109 institutions. Master’s programs in engineering, electrical engineering and engineering management were ranked No. 24 among public institutions. They rose seven slots to No. 20 in the subcategory best engineering programs for veterans.
“I could not be more pleased to see these programs recognized in this prestigious ranking because they are a critical piece of our effort to meet students where they are, whether they are working professionals, parents in need of flexibility or veterans whose experience dovetails perfectly with the study of engineering,” said Kim Needy, dean of the College of Engineering. “The increase in rankings reflects our commitment to challenging ourselves to continuous improvement of our course delivery and offerings.”
Providing high-quality online programs is critical to the U of A’s land-grant mission to serve all of Arkansas because they open access to working adults and others who cannot come to campus. U of A academic colleges ensure high-quality standards for more than 100 online degree, certificate and licensure programs.
“The U of A uses online delivery to extend access to its life-changing educational opportunities across the state and beyond,” said Cheryl Murphy, vice provost for distance education and head of the Global Campus. “We are proud of the faculty’s commitment to high educational standards and the campus’ commitment to empower faculty and support student success.”
Online programs from all academic colleges are showcased on the U of A ONLINE website.
Undergraduate
Online bachelor’s degree programs from four U of A academic colleges shared the No. 39 spot with Pennsylvania State University World Campus, the University of Georgia and nine other institutions. U.S. News ranked 350 institutions in this category. Among public institutions, the U of A ranked No. 33.
Bachelor’s programs are offered by the Sam M. Walton College of Business; the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences; the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences; and the College of Education and Health Professions. The U of A tied for No. 25 in the subcategory of best online bachelor’s programs for veterans.
The Walton College’s programs climbed to No. 8 in the subcategory for best online bachelor’s business degree programs, rising two spots. Online business majors include accounting, finance, general business, human resources management, marketing and supply chain management.
Master’s in Education
Master’s degree programs in education tied with six other institutions at No. 97 among 313 institutions. These programs from the College of Education and Health Professions ranked higher than master’s programs at Oklahoma State University (No. 104), Texas Tech University (No. 127) and more than 200 others.
The college offers Master of Education degree programs in adult and lifelong learning, community college leadership, educational leadership, educational technology, physical education, special education and teaching English to speakers of other languages.
Methodology
U.S. News rankings are based on four categories: engagement at 35%, services and technology at 25%, faculty credentials and training at 20% and peer assessment at 20%. Full rankings, data and detailed methodologies are available on the U.S. News website.
About the Global Campus: The Global Campus supports U of A colleges and schools in the development and delivery of online, distance and workforce education programs and courses. It provides instructional design services, technology services and assistance with registration, marketing, recruiting and strategic academic development.
About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas’ flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.
This story also appeared in the University of Arkansas News publication.