Ohio State online programs earn top rankings from U.S. News

COLUMBUS, Ohio – For the fifth consecutive year, The Ohio State University’s online bachelor’s and nursing programs have been named among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report. The 2019 rankings were released today.

Ohio State’s online master of science in nursing program is ranked No. 2 nationally and No. 1 among public institutions (Johns Hopkins is ranked No. 1 overall). Online bachelor’s programs are ranked No. 3 overall and No. 2 among public institutions. Online engineering programs are ranked No. 25, and online graduate education programs are ranked No. 38.

Both nursing and bachelor’s programs have been in the U.S. News top 10 since 2015. Nursing advanced to a top five program in 2016 and bachelor’s programs advanced to the top five in 2018.

For working adults with some college credit, online courses may offer the best way to finish a four-year degree. College completion and degree attainment have been identified as a top priority in Ohio, with a statewide goal of a degree or certificate for 65 percent of Ohioans by 2025.

The publication evaluates programs based on four general categories: participation in courses, services and technologies, faculty credentials and training and expert opinion.

“Ohio State was recognized as providing top-tier online programs because we provide distance learning opportunities that reflect the academic quality of our on-campus programs,” said Mike Hofherr, Ohio State vice president and chief information officer. “For each course in our online programs, instructors bring their academic and industry expertise and collaborate with instructional designers to build online courses for an optimal online learning experience. We leverage the strengths of our faculty and staff for the students’ benefit, and it shows in these Best Online Programs rankings.”

“We are delighted and honored that our world-class innovative faculty, staff and curricula have once again been recognized among the very best in the nation, demonstrating the sustained excellence of our online program,” said Bernadette Mazurek Melnyk, vice president for health promotion and dean of the College of Nursing. “Our online students receive the same high-caliber education as students on campus, and are prepared with superb knowledge and skills to dream, discover and deliver the highest quality of evidence-based care to transform health and improve lives.”

Ohio State’s distance education eLearning program has grown significantly in the past five years. Initiatives include the Digital Flagship, which provides students with a consistent mobile tablet environment, and programs to help faculty make courses more affordable.

The university now offers 24 online programs, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates and professional degrees to students living in most states.