Three University of New Mexico online programs are ranked in the top 50, including two in the top 25 in the latest edition of U.S. News & World Report 2024 Best Online Programs survey released Feb. 7. Overall, eight UNM programs were ranked in the survey that provides the most in-depth evaluation of U.S. based degree-granting programs administered online.
The UNM Psychology program was ranked No. 21 (tie) among the Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs, while UNM’s Anderson School of Management’s Bachelor’s in Business was ranked No. 23 (tie) among Online Master’s Business Programs. Also in the top 50 was UNM’s Master’s program in Computer Information Technology at No. 46 (tie).
“UNM is proud of to see these excellent online programs recognized," said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs James Holloway. "We work hard to ensure that all students in all of our online programs have a rich learning experience and are well supported in their learning.”
“UNM has been pioneering online tools to deliver high-quality courses across New Mexico and beyond for over 26 years,” said Elisha Allen, director of Online Strategies & Academic Technologies. “This recognition from US News and World Report is a great testament to the dedication and expertise of the many UNM faculty and staff who have built these programs over the years.
UNM programs in the online rankings include:
- Bachelor’s in Psychology, No. 21
- Bachelor’s in Business, No. 23
- Master’s in Computer Information Technology, No. 46
- Master’s in Engineering, No. 71
- Bachelor’s Programs, No. 197
- Master’s in Business, No. 163-213
- Master’s in Education, No. 201
- MBA Programs, No. 260-345
** The programs listed above were tied with other institutions in each category listed.
"We are very proud of UNM Psychology’s online degree program and are honored that the program has received this recognition. The program’s courses were developed and are taught by a dedicated group of 11 tenured faculty and lecturers, and I am very pleased to see the efforts of the faculty recognized in this ranking," UNM Psychology Department Chair Derek Hamilton said. "UNM’s Center for Teaching and Learning also deserves credit for the expert training and support provided to our online instructors. I particularly want to acknowledge the tremendous job that Dr. Allen Butt, Associate Chair for Undergraduate Education, has done in coordinating the program and helping UNM Psychology contribute to student success."
"This ranking is a real testament to the excellence of our faculty, course designers, staff, and students,” said interim Anderson School of Management Dean Julie Coonrod. “We appreciate the recognition for our hard-working team that has had a positive impact on our business community."
For the 2024 Best Online Programs rankings released today, U.S. News assessed 1,752 online bachelor's and master's degree programs and ranked 1,680. The rankings do not use standardized tests. Instead, they rely on other factors such as faculty credentials and training, services and technologies available to students, student engagement, and expert opinion on the academic quality of programs.
Master's degree programs, in addition to these criteria, are also ranked based on an assessment of student excellence via undergraduate GPAs, acceptance rates, and work experience. Blended learning programs –face-to-face and distance education – are not included in the rankings. To be eligible, a program must be predominately online, without recurrent in-person attendance requirements for instruction.
Various methodologies are used depending on the particular ranking. For a complete list of methodologies used in this survey release, visit US News & World Report Best Online Programs Rankings.
The U.S. News rankings are based on various 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 offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions.
Additional information about UNM’s online programs can be found at online.unm.edu.