UB’s education, nursing online programs make U.S. News rankings

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Online programs offered by the University at Buffalo’s Graduate School of Education and School of Nursing have been named among the best online programs by U.S. News & World Report.

GSE’s online programs continue to climb in the prestigious national ranking, rising two more spots from last year to rank 23 among 252 higher education institutions offering online graduate education programs.

The School of Nursing’s online bachelor’s degree program (RN-BS), which admitted its first class in 2012-13, also was named a “best online program” and has been designated to use the U.S. News & World Report badge: “Best Online Program.” This is the first year the school has had the data to report to be considered for the designation.

The national magazine, which issues annual rankings of colleges and programs, rated the best online master’s in education degree programs based on five categories: student engagement, student services and technology, faculty credentials and training, admissions selectivity and peer reputation.

“I am very proud of this national recognition of GSE online education programs,” said Dean Jaekyung Lee. “GSE has become a leader of online education with pedagogical innovations, and it is not just about technology, but also about values. GSE faculty and staff are committed to improving student access to high quality education through online programs.”

UB is the highest-ranked SUNY program, with Stony Brook University ranking No. 107 and SUNY College at Oneonta coming in at 138. UB is tied with four other universities for No. 23: Arizona State University, the University of Cincinnati, the University of Nebraska at Kearney and New York Institute of Technology. UB and the New York Institute of Technology are the highest-ranked institutions in New York State.

“GSE’s commitment to meeting the needs of today's learners is behind every decision we make for our online education programs,” said Christine Kroll, assistant dean for online education. “Our ranking is a reflection of the deep commitment to quality our faculty and staff have in engaging our students in a research-based curriculum.”

UB’s online RN-BS program, which can be completed in a one-year or two-year sequence, is designed for nurses who already have successfully completed a community college (associate’s degree) or hospital-based (diploma) nursing program and passed the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses.

It is offered in a user-friendly, distance learning, asynchronous format that allows practicing nurses to attend school while maintaining employment.

Marsha Lewis, dean of the School of Nursing, said she was pleased with the ranking.

“Our mission is excellence in education online and in the classroom, and to make nursing education accessible and convenient to traditional and non-traditional students alike,” said Lewis. “We are gratified that our diligence and dedication was recognized.”

Susan Grinslade, assistant dean for undergraduate programs, said the ranking affirms the intent of the RN-BS program to prepare nurses as leaders at the bedside and to provide quality, safe and evidence-based care.

“Our students and graduates tell us how transformative this program is for them as professional nurses,” said Grinslade. “They feel empowered to actively engage as change agents within their places of practice, whether that is in an acute care unit in a hospital, as a school or home health nurse, or in a primary care setting.”

For the full rankings of online programs, visit the U.S. News website: http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education?int=a9e209.