Education, Engineering Online Programs Make Strong Showing in U.S. News Rankings

January 24, 2023 By Audrey Breen, audreybreen@virginia.edu Audrey Breen, audreybreen@virginia.edu

U.S. News & World Report has ranked four online graduate programs from the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Human Development among the top 11 in the nation, while two graduate programs in UVA’s School of Engineering and Applied Science also were ranked.

The Education School’s online Curriculum & Instruction graduate program continued to soar in this year’s national rankings. The program came in at the No. 3 spot, up from No. 10 last year and No. 19 the previous year. The online Administration & Supervision program climbed six spots to also land at No. 3 in this year’s rankings.

The online Instructional Design program, identified by U.S. News & World Report as instructional media design, climbed two spots to No. 8. And the online Special Education program was ranked No. 11 this year.

Overall, the UVA School of Education and Human Development was ranked No. 20 in the nation out of more than 300 schools for its online offerings.

The Engineering School’s online Civil Engineering program moved up one spot to No. 4, tying with the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. The online Electrical Engineering program was ranked No. 13, along with Drexel University, Missouri University of Science and Technology and the University of Maryland, College Park.

“These rankings reflect our commitment to high-quality graduate education,” said James A. Smith, the Henry L. Kinnier Professor of Civil Engineering and assistant dean for graduate education. “Our online programs provide individuals with engineering backgrounds the opportunity to pursue their master’s degrees without leaving their jobs, and to complete their degrees with as much flexibility as possible.”

U.S. News’ annual rankings score institutions across five variables: engagement, peer assessment, faculty credentials and training, services and technologies, and student excellence.

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The Education School’s online program continued to see significant growth this year, offering 520 course sections during the 2021-22 academic year, an 88% increase over the previous academic year. The program also graduated 47% more students in the 2021-22 academic year than the previous year.

Students in the program also continue to find that the program prepares them for continued success. Within six months of graduation, 85% of online graduates report moving into a promoted position or earning a higher salary.

“These rankings are a reflection of the incredible efforts our faculty and staff make to provide our students both high-quality academic experiences and student supports,” said Catherine Brighton, senior associate dean for academic programs and student affairs in the Education School. “The online community at the School of Education and Human Development is truly special and we are delighted to see our programs recognized nationally.”

Visit the Education School’s online listing to explore the full suite of available offerings. Or learn how you can earn a master’s degree in engineering at UVA.

Media Contact

Audrey Breen

Senior Writer and Research Communications Strategist School of Education and Human Development