UMass Boston

U.S. News Says UMass Boston’s Online Graduate Education, Bachelor’s Programs Among Nation’s Best


01/14/2020| Colleen Locke

Online Graduate Education Programs Up 19 Spots from 2019

The Integrated Sciences Complex, lit up at night
Image By: Marc Occil, On the Ground Photography

“ This is just the beginning of a sustained ascent in the rankings of our advanced academic programs. ”

UMass Boston’s online graduate education programs have jumped 19 spots in U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Best Online Programs rankings, released today. The online graduate education programs are ranked No. 35, up from No. 54 in 2019. UMass Boston has four online undergraduate programs. Collectively, those are ranked No. 93 on the list of Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.

“This is just the beginning of a sustained ascent in the rankings of our advanced academic programs, which reflects the quality of the faculty and the excellence of the students,” noted Interim Chancellor Katherine Newman. “Online education is a vital option, especially for mature students and those already in the work world who need the convenience it provides so well.” 

Through its College of Education and Human Development, UMass Boston offers online master’s programs in topics such as counseling, mental health, instructional design, and vision studies. UMass Boston received a score of 84 (out of 100) for its online graduate education programs.

Schools on the Best Online Master’s Education Programs list were scored on engagement, services and technologies, a survey of academic leaders, faculty credentials and training, and student excellence. Services and technologies had a greater weight in the rankings than in 2019 (23 percent compared to 20 percent.)

UMass Boston currently offers four online bachelor’s programs: an accelerated bachelor of science in nursing, global aging and life course studies, global affairs, and an RN to BS degree. The nursing programs are offered through the College of Nursing and Health Sciences; the other two programs are offered through the McCormack Graduate School. U.S. News & World Report gave UMass Boston a score of 75.

Schools on the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs list were scored on four categories: engagement, services and technologies, faculty credentials and training, and a survey of academic leaders. Engagement received the most weight (35 percent).

This is the fourth year UMass Boston has been recognized for outstanding online programs. You can explore all of UMass Boston’s online programs on the new online.umb.edu.

About UMass Boston
The University of Massachusetts Boston is deeply rooted in the city's history, yet poised to address the challenges of the future. Recognized for innovative research, metropolitan Boston’s public university offers its diverse student population both an intimate learning environment and the rich experience of a great American city. UMass Boston’s 10 colleges and graduate schools serve 16,000 students while engaging local and global constituents through academic programs, research centers, and public service. To learn more, visit www.umb.edu