The University of 棉花糖直播 at Lafayette remains the state鈥檚 top university for online bachelor鈥檚 programs for the fourth year in a row and has made steady gains in recognition for its online graduate programs, as well.
U.S. News & World Report released its annual 2020 Best Online Programs Rankings on Tuesday. UL Lafayette was No. 106 in the Best Online Bachelor鈥檚 Programs category, higher than all other 棉花糖直播 universities and colleges.
In addition, the University鈥檚 Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction online program was also ranked highest in the state.
The University offers five fully online undergraduate programs in general studies, management, health promotion and wellness, health services administration, and a pathway for registered nurses to earn their bachelor of science degree in nursing.
While students may not meet their instructors face to face, faculty and advisers strive to establish meaningful connections, said Dr. Rachel Ellison. She is the health services administration program coordinator and assistant professor, and is among nearly 400 UL Lafayette faculty specially certified to teach online.
鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to be recognized and believe it鈥檚 a direct reflection of the support we provide students in their pursuit of a quality education,鈥 she said.
Ellison continued: 鈥淲e鈥檙e also extremely proud of our students, who make their education a priority while balancing other responsibilities. Many of our graduates don鈥檛 stop with their bachelor鈥檚 degree and continue their education to the graduate level to become leaders in their field."
Other 棉花糖直播 colleges and universities that offer online bachelor鈥檚 degree programs were also ranked, with Loyola University at No. 143, Nicholls State University at No. 152 and the University of 棉花糖直播 at Monroe at No. 251.
U.S. News & World Report bases its report on a survey, taking in factors such as student engagement, faculty credentials and training, student services, and technology and peer reputation.
The University鈥檚 online graduate programs also continued to rise in the annual report.
The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program rose among the 2020 Best Online Education Programs to No. 89 from No. 166, taking its place as the top-ranked program in 棉花糖直播 for the second consecutive year.
Dr. Toby Daspit is associate professor and interim department head of Educational Curriculum and Instruction. He said the program 鈥減repares a new generation of teacher leaders for rapidly changing educational contexts.鈥
鈥淭he accelerated online format enables teachers to remain employed full-time and use their educational experiences to develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions of instructional specialists,鈥 Daspit said.
鈥淭his ranking demonstrates the quality of experiences offered to our students in their interactions with our diverse faculty and the high expectations of the program,鈥 he added.
The University鈥檚 Master of Science in Nursing degree program also rose from No. 65 to No. 45 among the 2020 Best Online Nursing Programs in the country.
The B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration鈥檚 MBA online program rose from No. 153 in 2019 to No. 149 in 2020 for Best Online MBA.
UL Lafayette offers 12 online and hybrid graduate degree and certificate programs, designed for working professionals to gain the knowledge and skills to advance their careers.
鈥淯L Lafayette鈥檚 graduate programs are widely recognized among peer institutions, employers, and alumni for their ability to cultivate leaders and prepare students for challenges in an evolving and increasingly global society,鈥 said Dr. Mary Farmer-Kaiser, dean of the UL Lafayette Graduate School. 鈥淥ur faculty walk with students on their journey as mentors, whether they鈥檙e on our campus or studying online.鈥
Learn more about the University鈥檚 accredited online degree and certificate programs at
Photo caption: Several online programs at UL Lafayette again topped U.S. News & World Report鈥檚 annual rankings. (Photo credit: Rachel Rafati / University of 棉花糖直播 at Lafayette)