For the third year, U.S. News and World Report has ranked West Virginia University online programs in business, nursing and education among the best for veterans and active-duty service members.
To qualify for the Best Online Programs for Veterans rankings, the 737 online degree programs featured first had to be among the top 75 percent of schools ranked in the 2015 Best Online Programs rankings. For those rankings, U.S. News evaluated regionally accredited degree-granting programs on a number of factors, which, depending on the discipline, could have included their affordability, faculty credentials, student services and reputation. The institutions also had to be certified for the GI Bill and participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
WVU’s Executive MBA ranked 22nd in the country. This is the first time U.S. News split MBA programs from the general business degree category.
“The WVU College of Business and Economics is committed to the continual improvement of our programs for service members and their families,” said Interim Dean Nancy McIntyre. “That commitment is demonstrated through our efforts in the areas of student engagement and the provision of Ph.D.-level faculty in our online MBA programs. It is an honor and a privilege to provide high quality educational programs to these very special people.”
The graduate program in nursing was ranked 32nd.
"Our veterans are an important part of our program and bring a unique skillset to the WVU School of Nursing and to the entire university,” said Dean Tara Hulsey.
“This ranking is a testament to the continued progress we have made to be accessible to those who serve our country, but we must continue to enhance programs, partnerships and opportunities that enable us to provide them with the necessary tools to be successful, now and in the future.”
WVU offers multiple online degrees in education which ranked 78th in this broad category.
“We are extremely honored and proud to offer online education opportunities that appeal to our Veterans and to be ranked within the top one-hundred online programs in the nation,” CEHS Dean Gypsy Denzine said. “The wonderful men and women that serve our country bring a perspective to our College that is unique and priceless. The College of Education and Human Services believes in fostering an environment that continues to meet the needs of our Veteran community.”
WVU has several initiatives to assist veterans. The Military to Mountaineer Program assists student veterans in their transition to college and the Veteran Success Program which provides additional academic support.
“As a university and a community, West Virginia University is an excellent fit for veterans who wish to pursue online education,” said Jerry McCarthy, director of WVU Veteran Affairs. “We are honored to serve our veterans, service members and their families. WVU takes great pride in providing the highest level of service for those who sacrifice so much to protect and defend our great nation. Our online degree programs in business, nursing and education offer the flexibility, convenience and quality to further your education wherever you’re located.”
For information about online programs at West Virginia University, visit online.wvu.edu or the WVU Office of Veteran Affairs at wvuveterans.wvu.edu.
-WVU-
lr/05/29/15
CONTACT: Jerry McCarthy; Director of WVU Veteran Affairs
304.293.8262; veterans@mail.wvu.edu
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