Online graduate programs in business, education and engineering offered at Cal State Fullerton rank among the best in the nation — and in California, according to U.S. News & World Report’s annual online programs rankings announced today (Jan. 15).
For the 2019 “Best Online” programs rankings, a total of 1,545 online degree programs were assessed — 55 more than the 2018 list. Only programs that offer 100 percent online classes needed to complete the degree are included in the rankings.
In its eighth year of collecting data from distance education programs, U.S. News rated online bachelor’s degree and graduate programs across the country in categories that include student engagement, student services and technology, and faculty credentials and training.
CSUF has expanded its offerings with a with a new graduate degree program in education and also added concentrations in business.
This year, the College of Education’s fully online master’s programs moved up to the 38th spot out of 222 ranked programs in the nation, and No. 2 in California — behind sister campus San Diego State University. CSUF’s programs tied with Ball State University, Ohio State University and University of Missouri.
“We’re proud of the fact that we are providing access to high-quality, online degree programs to educators to help them further their teaching careers to become thriving teachers in the classroom and leaders in their schools and communities,” said Lisa Kirtman, dean of the College of Education.
In 2002, the College of Education began offering the master of science in instructional design and technology — CSUF’s first online degree program. The college also offers a fully online master of science in education with concentrations in secondary education, special education, curriculum and instruction, and literacy and reading. In fall 2018, the college launched a fully online master of science in educational technology program.
In the “Best Online” business programs rankings, which do not include the MBA, CSUF’s program ranks 15th out of 113 ranked programs. Mihaylo College of Business and Economics has offered the master of science in information technology since 2005. The program ranks second in California, behind USC, and No. 1 among California State University non-MBA business programs offered online. CSUF also tied with Georgia College & State University.
In response to the demand for professionals with a graduate degree in data science, the college now offers the program with concentrations in information technology management and data science, noted Morteza Rahmatian, dean of Mihaylo College of Business and Economics.
“Mihaylo College is proud of our highly selective program, which provides a flexible learning environment for working professionals,” Rahmatian added.
CSUF’s online graduate programs in engineering garnered the 26th spot out of 71 ranked programs in the U.S., ahead of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and third in California. UCLA and USC tied at No. 2 in the nation.
The College of Engineering and Computer Science offers two fully online programs: the master of science in software engineering and the master of science in environmental engineering. The programs tied with Texas Tech University.
For more information about CSUF’s rankings, visit online. For more information about the rankings, data and methodologies, visit the U.S News website.