Online Graduate Programs Continue to Shine

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Florida State University’s online graduate programs continue to be recognized among the best in the nation, according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings released Wednesday. 

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering’s online master’s program in engineering, which started four years ago and is offered in conjunction with the Florida State University Panama City campus, continued to move up in the U.S. News rankings, jumping 13 places to No. 49 nationally and 11 spots to No. 38 among public universities. The program also ranked No. 30 among the best for veterans.  

“Our ascent in national rankings and recognition for serving veterans underscores our commitment to excellence in engineering education and research,” said Suvranu De, dean the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, the only joint college in the nation. 

Four FSU online graduate programs placed among the Top 20 nationally, including two in the Top 10.  

“We’re proud that our online graduate programs are ranked among the best in the nation,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Clark. “This achievement reflects our commitment to delivering an outstanding education accessible to students beyond the traditional classroom." 

The online MBA program in the College of Business soared 26 spots to No. 18 nationally and 17 places to No. 15 among public universities. The college’s non-MBA graduate programs — specifically the online master’s degrees in management information systems (MS-MIS) and risk management and insurance (MS-RMI) — climbed three spots to No. 18, with a No. 14 ranking among public universities. In addition, the college’s MBA specialty in marketing, taught by faculty members in the Dr. Persis E. Rockwood School of Marketing, ranks No. 6 among public schools, No. 8 overall. 

“We are thrilled about our tremendous performance and standing among the nation’s best online graduate programs,” said Michael Hartline, dean of the College of Business. “The competition among online MBA programs is especially intense, so we welcome these new high marks that reflect our significant achievements and continuing pursuit of preeminence.” 

The College of Criminology and Criminal Justice’s online graduate program checked in at No. 7 overall and No. 4 among public universities. Dean Thomas Blomberg said the college’s ranking is fueled by its outstanding faculty.    

"Our faculty are among the most productive researchers and innovative thinkers in the field and our online courses are taught by them,” he said. “The ranking is a wonderful acknowledgment of their contributions to the field and their role in providing students a superb educational experience.”   

The School of Information’s online Master of Science in Information Technology program remained in the Top 10 for the fifth consecutive year, placing No. 9 overall and No. 5 among public universities.  

“The School of Information has been a long-time leader in the content and delivery of online IT education, and I am pleased that their efforts continue to be recognized by this strong ranking,” said Michelle Kazmer, dean of the College of Communication and Information, which houses the School of Information. 

The College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences’ online master’s program in education placed No. 30 nationally and No. 28 among public universities. Three of the college’s specialty programs are ranked among the Top 10 overall: special education at No. 3; instructional systems and learning technologies at No. 4; and educational leadership and administration at No. 5. The curriculum and instruction program ranked No. 12. “In our first year as a newly combined college, I am extremely proud of the work our faculty and staff are doing to make the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences a top institution across the nation,” said Dean Damon Andrew. “I know that this is only the start of great things for the college.” 

Learn more about FSU’s online graduate programs