West Virginia University’s online graduate program in software engineering has been ranked 10th by U.S. News & World Report in its latest Best Online Program Rankings.

The program, offered by the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, joins a number of other WVU programs – online hybrid MBA (47 out of 254), nursing (61 out 141) and business (non-MBA) (66 out of 139) –in the rankings released Tuesday. More than 1,300 online programs were reviewed on categories ranging from student engagement, faculty credentials and training and peer reputation.

“The caliber of West Virginia University’s online programs in these fields speaks to our commitment to playing a powerful role in supporting our state’s economy, both at this moment and into the future,” said Provost Joyce McConnell. “We offer educational opportunities online that are both accessible and high-quality and I am so proud to see these programs recognized in the U. S. News and World Report rankings.”

Keith Bailey, dean of Online Learning and Continuing Professional Education, concurred, adding, “As the state's flagship university, WVU offers its students unparalleled educational experiences, whether on-campus or online.”

In just two short years, the software engineering program, which began in 1997 as an extended learning program for working professionals in north central West Virginia’s High Technology Corridor, has gone from never being ranked to being 30th in 2016 and 10th this year. The program has graduated more than 350 students who work in every industry, from aerospace to defense to education and entertainment.

“Our tenured faculty and management-level software industry-experienced instructors offer a rich blend of theoretical concepts and practical experiences to the advanced learner of tomorrow utilizing the latest technologies driven by www.online.wvu.edu,” said Dale Dzielski, program coordinator. “Advancing our status in U.S. News reflects upon their continued dedication to excellence by offering an education that impacts our world on a daily basis.”

“I am delighted to see the continuing efforts of our faculty and staff in the Lane Department recognized by U.S. News,” said Gene Cilento, Glen H. Hiner Dean of the College. “The development and changes made to the program in recent years helps serve the needs of an important professional community.”

The online hybrid MBA program ranking lands in the top 50 for the fifth consecutive year.

The two-year program includes three, multi-day residencies on campus at WVU and one in Washington, D.C., and has been in existence fewer than six years. The one-year Forensic & Fraud Examination program has been offered in its online degree format for fewer than two years, and the Business Data Analytics program is in its first year. Business Data Analytics students have an option of one- and two-year programs.

“The national ranking of our online graduate programs is a great reflection of the commitment to online learning by B&E and West Virginia University,” said Javier A. Reyes, B&E Milan Puskar Dean. “Our online MBA has, essentially, been nationally ranked since it came into existence, and that starts with our great faculty. It’s not possible to offer these high quality, online programs without committed, professional, world class faculty and the staff in our Center for Career Development and Office of Graduate Programs. And it’s our intention to continue to improve and expand upon these programs.”

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CONTACT: Mary C. Dillon; Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

304.293.4086; Mary.Dillon@mail.wvu.edu

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