BOONE, N.C. — National publication U.S. News & World Report has named Appalachian State University to its “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” and “Best Online Master’s in Education Programs” lists — both part of its 2021 “Best Online Programs” rankings.
New this year, U.S. News added rankings of online bachelor’s programs in business, with App State recognized among the top 20 schools in the nation for “Best Business Programs.” App State’s online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in management offers students the flexibility to complete the degree on their own schedule — full or part time. App State also offers the BSBA in management program on campus.
In its press release on the rankings, U.S. News stated, “Most of the institutions included in these rankings … have offered online options for years, leading a sector that higher education experts see poised for further growth even once the dust from COVID-19 settles.”
This year, App State ranked among the top half of U.S. colleges and universities recognized for online bachelor’s and graduate education programs.
Additionally, the university’s online master’s degree in nursing was named among 131 national schools included in U.S. News’ “Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs” rankings. With a focus on educational creativity, nursing practice, leadership and research, App State’s online Master of Science in Nursing prepares graduates for educator roles in practice settings and for academic positions in nursing programs.
U.S. News evaluated more than 1,600 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for this year’s rankings. Factors considered in the rankings include student engagement, services and technologies available to students, faculty credentials and training, as well as peer reputation. Student excellence is also considered for schools offering online master’s degree programs.
These rankings do not consider programs that were delivered remotely on a temporary basis in 2020, when many colleges shifted to remote instruction due to COVID-19.
App State Online enrollment — undergraduate and graduate — increased by more than 18% from fall 2019 to fall 2020. New online graduate students have increased by nearly 30% from the 2019–20 academic year.
All of App State’s online undergraduate and graduate programs are designed to be flexible, are regionally accredited and are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus. Learn more about App State Online.
About App State Online
Recognized as one of the top online education destinations in the country by U.S. News and World Report, App State Online (formerly known as Distance Education) is designed to meet students wherever they are — whether they are seeking a degree, a credential or looking to sharpen their personal and/or professional skills. Through App State Online, Appalachian State University offers innovative, flexible and accredited undergraduate and graduate programs through three modes of teaching delivery: online, hybrid or classroom-based at off-campus centers. Learn more at https://online.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the state of North Carolina, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls more than 20,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
Several of Appalachian State University’s online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs — offered through App State Online — have been recognized among the best in the nation for 2021, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Photo by Marie Freeman