The University of Missouri’s online programs ranked among the best in the nation in U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Online Programs. With more than 127 options, Mizzou offers the second most online programs in both the SEC and among AAU public institutions.
U.S. News bases rankings on institution-supplied data evaluating student engagement, student services and technology, faculty credentials and peer reputation among other categories.
Best online graduate education programs
For the third consecutive year, Mizzou’s online graduate education programs have been named the best in Missouri and ranked 60th nationally. With 23 online master’s and eight online graduate certificate programs, the College of Education offers the most online options of all of Mizzou’s schools and colleges.
“The University of Missouri is top notch,” said Shannin Preshinger of Helena, Montana, a recent graduate of the online master’s in English education program. “I feel like I got the highest quality education from a very prestigious university without having to leave my own town, state or my own house.”
In addition to the overall “Best Online Graduate Education” ranking, Mizzou Education earned specialty rankings for their excellence in the areas of special education and educational administration and supervision.
Best online bachelor’s programs
Mizzou’s online bachelor’s programs’ ranking climbed 15 positions from last year to 99th out of 345 ranked schools. With the addition of five new programs in 2019 — information technology, communication, English, psychology and sociology — the University of Missouri offers 16 online bachelor’s options, all 100% online.
Recent graduate Sarah Swoboda describes the experience of earning her bachelor’s in business administration online with Mizzou as “profound.” She credits the online option as one of the reasons why she was able to graduate and further her career.
“Most people do not get out of their parents’ income bracket. I was in and out of foster care and my mom and dad rarely had jobs. … Now, I have surpassed their income bracket.”
Best for veterans
Mizzou’s online graduate education programs and online bachelor’s programs also earned the distinction of “Best for Veterans” due to a high overall ranking and a focus on veteran support. Among other services, MU offers a 10% tuition award toward online degree and certificate programs for veterans, active duty, National Guard, reserves and spouses and dependents.
MU graduate Joseph Osmack, a former sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, found the university’s veteran services to be one of the deciding factors in his decision to earn his MPA online with Mizzou.
“Deciding on the degree was always more important to me than picking a degree,” said Osmack. “Mizzou's reputation, online program, national ranking, accreditation, tuition rate and military-friendliness were all deciding factors. The University of Missouri was the best fit for me.”