BOONE, N.C. — National publication U.S. News & World Report has named Appalachian State University to its “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” and “Best Online Master’s in Education Programs” lists — both part of its 2022 “Best Online Programs” rankings.
This year, App State ranked among the top 31% of U.S. colleges and universities recognized for online bachelor’s programs and graduate education programs — placing as No. 93 out of 321 schools for master’s education programs and No. 111 among 361 schools for bachelor’s programs.
As part of the “Best Online Master’s in Education Programs” list, App State was recognized among the top 25 schools in the nation for best curriculum and instruction programs and best educational administration and supervision programs. Learn more about App State's curriculum specialist, educational administration and school administration programs.
For the second year in a row, U.S. News recognized App State among the top schools in the nation for “Best Business Programs,” ranking the university No. 30, or within the top 13% of schools named to the list. App State’s online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in management offers students the flexibility to complete the degree on their own schedule — full or part time. App State also offers the BSBA in management program on campus.
Additionally, the university’s online master’s degree in nursing was named among 179 national schools included in U.S. News’ “Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs” rankings, placing as No. 103, or within the top 58% of schools recognized. With a focus on educational creativity, nursing practice, leadership and research, App State’s online Master of Science in Nursing prepares graduates for educator roles in practice settings and for academic positions in nursing programs.
“Online education is no longer just an option for many students — it has become the norm. Out of necessity, virtual learning has grown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” U.S. News states on its website. “Even as institutions plan to resume on-campus instruction, experts say colleges are poised to offer more online degree programs and develop new ones to boost enrollment. Advancements in technology, course design, high-speed internet availability and more are moving online learning forward.”
U.S. News evaluated more than 1,700 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for this year’s rankings. Factors considered in the rankings include student engagement, services and technologies available to students, faculty credentials and training, as well as peer reputation. Student excellence is also considered for schools offering online master’s degree programs.
The “Best Online Programs” rankings only include programs that are designed to be administered online. In other words, the rankings do not evaluate schools or programs that are temporarily virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic.
App State Online enrollment — undergraduate and graduate — has increased for the second consecutive year, with a growth of 6.4% from fall 2020 to fall 2021. Online graduate student enrollment, specifically, increased 6.3% from fall 2020 to fall 2021 — exceeding 1,000 students for the first time since 2010.
All of App State’s online undergraduate and graduate programs are designed to be flexible, are regionally accredited and are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus. Learn more about App State Online.
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About App State Online
Recognized as one of the top online education destinations in the country by U.S. News & World Report, App State Online (formerly known as Distance Education) is designed to meet students wherever they are — whether they are seeking a degree, a credential or looking to sharpen their personal and/or professional skills. Through App State Online, Appalachian State University offers innovative, flexible and accredited undergraduate and graduate programs through two modes of teaching delivery: online and off campus. Learn more at https://online.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
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