Upper Iowa University online programs ranked by U.S. News & World Report
FAYETTE, Iowa (January 15, 2013) – The online undergraduate and master's in business administration (MBA) programs at Upper Iowa University have been cited in the U.S. News & World Report "2013 Best Online Education Programs," which was released on its website January 15.
The UIU Online Bachelor's Program is ranked 47th of 237 colleges and universities with online undergraduate programs that responded to the U.S. News survey. The UIU Online MBA program is ranked 134th of 213 online programs that responded to U.S. News. On each list, UIU is one of only two online programs in Iowa to be numerically ranked by U.S. News. It is also important to note that some institutions offering these programs were not included in the rankings because they opted not to participate in the survey.
As defined by U.S. News, online programs allow students to complete all the required coursework via distance education courses that incorporate internet-based learning technologies. Online courses deliver instruction to students who are separated from the instructor and that support regular and substantive interaction between students and faculty – both from different locations at different times as well as from different locations at the same time.
The rankings are based on student engagement measures, such as graduation rates, best practices, accreditation, class size, assessments, retention rates and time to degree. In addition the rankings look at faculty credentials and training and well as student services and technology. The MBA rankings also incorporate admissions selectivity and peer reputation.
"Upper Iowa University is extremely pleased to have our online programming recognized by U.S. News," said UIU Acting President Richard R. Patrick. "We are aware that these third-party rankings are certainly not the only way to measure a program's excellence and its success in preparing students; but we also are aware that students and families rely on third-party recommendations to help make their selection of educational programming, so we appreciate being ranked for our high quality. We are proud of our online faculty and staff for all they do for our students; they have earned this recognition."
William Duffy, senior vice president for Academic Extension, noted that UIU was among the nation's first universities to embrace distance education by launching a correspondence course program that will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2013. The online program began in 1999. Today, UIU has more than 1,000 students enrolled in the UIU Center for Distance Education.
"Online education is a proven way to meet the needs of today's students, especially the adult learner who may be trying to balance earning a degree with working full time and raising a family," Duffy said. "Online programs allow students to fit education into their lives and in many cases offer the only opportunity for individuals to realize their educational aspirations ."
"Much of our success is due to our great faculty," added Barb Schultz, director, Center for Distance Education. "Our online courses are taught by highly credentialed faculty who bring real-world problem solving experiences to share with our students. The majority of our students are working adults who find great value in learning from skilled faculty, leading to a dynamic experience with an abundance of networking opportunities."
Information about the UIU online programs is available at www.uiu.edu. Details of the U.S. News rankings and the survey methodology are at www.usnews.com/online-education.
About Upper Iowa University
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to some 6,200 students—nationally and internationally—at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study.
Contact:
Monica Bayer Heaton
Associate Vice President for Communication and Marketing
Phone: 563-425-5773
Cell: 515-291-2070
heatonm@uiu.edu