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Several of IU’s online programs ranked highly by U.S. News and World Report

For Immediate Release Jan 26, 2021

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Indiana University Kelley School of Business ranked No. 3 among online MBA programs but No. 1 in two programs for veterans and in a specialty area in the latest U.S. News and World Report Best Online Education Program rankings. The IU School of Education in Bloomington and the School of Nursing at IUPUI each ranked in the top 50 of online programs but also earned specialty rankings in the top 5.

The IU Online bachelor’s degree programs continue to rank highly, moving up two spots from last year’s ranking to No. 21 overall.

“IU is in the top 2 percent of online enrollment among U.S. institutions, and the latest rankings show that IU is a top-quality provider as well,” said John S. Applegate, executive vice president for university academic affairs. “IU boasts excellent rankings in a broad range of programs, in specific stand-out programs and in meeting the needs of particular learners.”

The Kelley online master’s business non-MBA program for veterans and the online MBA program for veterans each ranked No. 1. For the first time, U.S. News ranked specialties available to students in online MBA programs. Kelley Direct ranked first in marketing, second in general management, third in business analytics and fourth in finance. The school recently doubled the number of electives available for students, who can choose from seven majors, which also include digital technology management, entrepreneurship and corporate innovation, and supply chain and operations.

The rankings also noted IU Online as No. 17 for best overall bachelor’s programs for veterans. The bachelor’s program in psychology also ranked No. 11.

“In addition to this overall recognition, we are pleased that U.S. News this year recognized several of the majors we offer students,” said Idalene “Idie” Kesner, dean of the Kelley School of Business and the Frank P. Popoff Chair of Strategic Management. “Recently, we introduced a new, personalized curriculum that enables students to pursue a deeper knowledge in core business areas, while also allowing them to personalize their degree.

“Kelley continues to lead the way in being a model for online graduate business programs worldwide, and we never stop looking for ways to innovate and better prepare our graduates for continued success.”

Launched in 1999, Kelley Direct is the original online MBA program from a top-tier business school. Earlier this month, the program was recognized by Poets & Quants as its MBA Program of the Year – the first time an online MBA program had earned that distinction. Soon, its students will benefit from the new $10 million Brian D. Jellison Studios. The immersive, state-of-the-art studios will enhance the delivery of course content and provide an even more dynamic experience, with faculty and students being together virtually as if they were in an in-person classroom.

The IU School of Education in Bloomington earned top 5 rankings in five categories: No. 3 in Educational/Instructional Media Design, No. 4 in Educational Administration and Supervision, and No. 5 in Curriculum and Instruction and in Special Education.

“In a year when educators were challenged beyond anyone’s imagination, the School of Education at IU is proud of the remarkable online programs we offer,” said School of Education Interim Dean Anastasia Morrone. “We are excited to continue to expand our quality online education in the future.”

The School of Nursing remains ranked in the top 50 of online nursing master’s programs at No. 49, but this year it showed particular strength in the specialty rankings. The Nursing Education specialty is ranked No. 4 and Nursing Administration/Leadership ranks No. 16.

IU has been a forerunner in online programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level for more than 20 years, now offering more 135 online degree and certificate programs. A complete list of IU’s online programs is available on IU Online’s website.

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