USM Online Programs Ranked Among Best by U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report has recognized a group of online programs at The University of Southern Mississippi among the nation's best in the publication's 2019 Best Online Rankings.

In its rankings announced earlier this week, U.S. News rated USM's online graduate nursing program at No. 59; the undergraduate bachelor's degree program at No. 93 and the Master of Business Administration program at No. 119. The list includes more than 350 colleges and universities.

The University's MBA ranking carries special significance in that the program leaped all the way from a No. 136 ranking in 2018. USM's online MBA program is fully accredited by AACSB International.

“I attribute our ranking increase to the dedicated graduate faculty members in the College of Business and Economic Development, and to the high quality and diversity of students in our online MBA program at Southern Miss,” said Dr. Elizabeth K. LaFleur, Associate Dean and MBA Director.

In establishing the 2019 rankings, U.S. News chose factors that weigh how these programs are being delivered and their effectiveness at awarding affordable degrees in a reasonable amount of time.

USM has been offering online degree programs since 2011-2012. The majority of the online classes are recorded and archived so students can access lecture material at their convenience.

“I think the rankings we have earned from U.S. News & World Report are directly related to the increase in services we provide our online students and our continuing commitment to the overall quality of online instruction and faculty development,” said Dr. Tom Hutchinson, Director, Office of Online Learning.

For the second consecutive year, USM's online graduate nursing program is ranked among the nation's top 60 and best overall in the state, according to U.S. News.

“Our graduate programs graduate advanced practice nurses and nurse leaders are helping to meet a provider shortage in the state and the region as well as impact the broader nursing profession. We are excited that our programs continue to be recognized for their excellent outcomes,” said Dr. Lachel Story, Associate Dean and Director, School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice.

Added Program Coordinator Dr. Carolyn Coleman: “I am excited and proud to be a part of a program dedicated to educating quality advanced practice providers. We continuously strive to improve ways to deliver knowledge to our students, which in turns improves healthcare delivery in the state of Mississippi and beyond.”

To learn more about online programs offered at USM, call 601.266.5518 or visit: https://online.usm.edu/

To see U.S. News & World Report's full rankings for 2019, visit: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education