The University of New Mexico’s College of Nursing’s Master of Science program is ranked No. 21 while the UNM School of Engineering’s master’s program retained its position of No. 61 in the nation, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report 2023 Best Online Programs survey released Jan. 24.

Additionally, making its debut in the U.S. News rankings in 2023 is UNM’s Internet of Things master’s program in computer engineering, which is ranked No. 41 in the Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs. The degree program focuses on the growing area of Internet of Things, which is a collection of physical devices that contain embedded electronics, software, sensors and networking capabilities. The program offers courses in subjects such as machine learning, digital signal processing, cybersecurity and cloud computing.

Last year, UNM Engineering’s online master’s programs were No. 61. In 2021, the programs were ranked No. 50, up from No. 53 in 2020 and No. 68 in 2019, the first year the programs were ranked. The first year the School of Engineering submitted data for the overall online survey was 2017.

The University of New Mexico College of Nursing’s master of science is also rated fourth in the Mountain West region in the same U.S. News & World Report rankings.

“The rankings show we have programs designed to help students apply learned skills and knowledge to improve the nursing profession,” said program coordinator Nancye Cole. She, along with Tamara Shannon, lead the two online concentrations.

A sound nursing curriculum should be well-rounded and “prepare students for all aspects of nursing,” Cole said. “It involves mastering curriculum, health care finance, finding a strong voice and a knowledge of how to use the tools the program gives them in a practical way. This is what future nursing leadership needs.”

UNM’s nursing programs are distinguished from other online programs because they provide a “roadmap for students, not just a list of instructions”, Cole said.

The UNM College of Nursing is home to multiple nationally ranked programs and is ranked the No. 1 nursing program in New Mexico. The College offers additional master of science in advanced practice programs for family nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners.

In addition to Internet of Things master’s, the School of Engineering currently offers the following all-online graduate degree programs: master of construction management program, which has been offered in an all-online format since 2016; master of engineering degree (M.Eng) in civil engineering is designed to accommodate students with interest or experience in civil engineering as a professional practice; and a master’s in space systems engineering offers two tracks, one leading to a master’s degree in electrical engineering and one to a master’s in mechanical engineering.

The U.S. News rankings are based on a variety of factors, including student engagement, faculty credentials, peer assessment, services and technologies, and student excellence. More than 1,800 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs from both public and private institutions were evaluated this year. The rankings include only degree-granting programs that are offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions.

Additional information about UNM’s online programs can be found at online.unm.edu.
 

** This story was compiled from information provided by UNM's Health and Health Sciences and the UNM School of Engineering.