FSU's online MBA, graduate education degree programs ranked among nation's best

U.S. News & World Report's 2012 edition of "Top Online Education Programs" rankings places the Florida State University College of Business' Online Master of Business Administration program at No. 20 nationally in terms of faculty credentials, training and online teaching experience. FSU is the only university in Florida ranked in the top 20.

The university's College of Education, meanwhile, is ranked 22nd nationally among online graduate education degree programs for student services and technology.

"This ranking reflects our college's mission to create the best possible learning and teaching environment through the use of advanced technology, including enhanced facilities, information resources, and instructional technologies," said College of Education Dean Marcy Driscoll.

In the College of Business, the online MBA program's high ranking was attributed in large part to the quality of the program's faculty members.

"We understand that the quality of the instructor is critical to the success of our students and our online program," said Douglas Stevens, faculty MBA director and an associate professor of accounting. "What really sets us apart from most online programs is that the same high-caliber faculty who teach on campus also teach our online courses. Online or on campus, you're getting the same rigorous MBA degree."

Among other achievements, Florida State's online business faculty members have received the university's Distinguished Teaching Award and published research in the top academic journals in their field. In addition, they are consistently lauded by students for taking the time to provide individual attention to student email and online discussions.

This is U.S. News' first annual ranking of the Top Online Education Programs for higher education. The rankings are designed to measure the scope and quality of this growing education sector.

To determine its rankings, U.S. News considers the percentage of online teaching faculty with doctorate or terminal degrees, percentage of faculty with at least two years of online teaching experience, school financing of online instructor training, and whether online instruction training is required to teach.

The FSU College of Business was one of the first public business schools to offer online graduate degrees. Specifically designed for working professionals, the programs do not require relocation to Tallahassee. Students continue their employment without interruption and can immediately put their new knowledge to work in their current career.

In addition to the online MBA, the college also offers the online Master of Science in Management with a major in Risk Management/Insurance and the online Master of Science in Management Information Systems. These programs integrate cutting-edge instructional technology with innovative course and program design. In addition, elective MBA flex courses can be tailored for careers in management information systems or real estate. Graduate students also may round out their studies with a global business seminar, which culminates with an international trip.

23 January 2012