Ohio State University: Ohio State’s online nursing master’s program ranked No. 1 in nation
The Ohio State University has again been recognized as among the best in the nation for online education. U.S. News & World Report ranked the online Master of Science in Nursing as the No. 1 online nursing master’s program in the country for 2022.
The university’s four online undergraduate degree programs, including Nursing’s RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, again ranked among the top 10.
The RN to BSN; the College of Medicine’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and AS to Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences; and the College of Dentistry’s Bachelor of Science, Dental Hygiene program are ranked No. 7 in the nation.
“In the face of historic challenge, our world-class students, faculty, staff and preceptors continue to demonstrate passion, purpose and pride as they dream, discover and deliver the healthier world that we all desperately need,” said Bernadette Melnyk, university chief wellness officer and dean of the College of Nursing. “We so appreciate the recognition of the consistent excellence of our online academic programs, but we are even more proud of the evidence-based clinicians and health care leaders who graduate from our programs ready to transform health and improve lives in every community they serve throughout the world.”
Changing demographics and learner needs spurred a boom in online learning opportunities even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2013, Ohio State’s online nursing and engineering graduate programs have been included in the site’s rankings. The university’s online undergraduate degrees and graduate nursing program have continuously ranked among the top 10 in U.S. News & World Report’s listing of best online programs since 2015.
“The past several years have tested the higher education community like never before, presenting unforeseen challenges as we collectively grappled with a global pandemic, a reckoning over social justice, debates over accessibility and affordability and so much more. And through it all, Ohio State managed not only to maintain its dedication to academic excellence but exceed it in some areas – most notably with our online Master of Science in Nursing program, now ranked No. 1 in the nation,” Ohio State President Kristina M. Johnson said.
“This achievement is nothing short of remarkable and is a testament to the unwavering hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and, of course, our students. And this is just the beginning when it comes to the gains we have seen on so many levels.
“I am particularly gratified to see that our online undergraduate programs are among the top 10 in the country, as virtual learning is a critical element of our future – regardless of where this pandemic, or the next one, takes us. Overall, I could not be more proud of the progress we have made. The bar is set high for the future, and we will continue to strive for excellence across all platforms.”
The College of Engineering’s online graduate programs, which include the Master of Science in Welding Engineering, the Master of Global Engineering Leadership and the Master of Engineering Management, were also ranked No. 20 nationally.
Ohio State’s online graduate education programs – The College of Arts and Sciences’ Master of Arts in Art Education and the College of Education and Human Ecology’s Master of Learning Technologies – were recognized by U.S. News & World Report, ranking 28th in the country.
The site began ranking program specialty areas in 2020. The Master of Learning Technologies, as part of the Best Online Graduate Education Programs category, was again recognized among the top 10 in the Educational and Instructional Media Design specialty. Three graduate nursing specialty areas are also top-ranked, with the Nurse Practitioner – Family specialty recognized as No. 3.
“Our online programs extend Ohio State’s academic excellence to students in Ohio and beyond, uplifting the university’s commitment to access and affordability while supporting current and future workforce needs,” said Associate Vice President for Distance Education Robert Griffiths. “We’re proud that our efforts have again been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report rankings and by our peers across the country.”
Ohio State’s online degree and certificate programs are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus, and courses have a small student-to-instructor ratio. Each faculty member partners with an instructional designer – an expert who helps the instructor optimize the course content and engagement experience for a technology-rich modality.
With a focus on quality instruction and affordability, U.S. News & World Report ranks the top online programs at regionally accredited institutions across the country. Rankings indicators include engagement, student excellence, services and technologies, faculty credentials and training, and expert opinion.