UofSC climbs in nursing, education rankings
College of Nursing No. 1 among public institutions for online master’s programs
Posted on: January 14, 2020; Updated on: January 14, 2020
By Tenell Felder & Amanda Hernandez, tenell@mailbox.sc.edu, 803-777-3697
The University of South Carolina ranks No. 1 in the nation among public universities (No. 2 overall) for its online graduate nursing program, according to U.S. News and World Report’s annual online rankings. The increased ranking demonstrates the university’s momentum and leadership in the fields of nursing and health science, as well as its commitment to offering flexible paths to degree completion.
The rankings, released Tuesday (Jan. 14), also place the College of Nursing No. 1 among public institutions for its online graduate program for veterans. The program is part of the university’s longstanding and broad-based commitment to veterans. In addition, the same U.S. News report saw rising rankings for the College of Education.
“At the University of South Carolina, it is our priority to provide quality programs for our students that address their needs, no matter their current stage of life or career," says university President Bob Caslen. "Our top-tier faculty and staff create a culture of excellence for our students, and we are proud of these outstanding recognitions."
The latest rankings continue a five-year trend of the College of Nursing’s online program being ranked in the top five among public universities. Dean Jeannette Andrews credits this to the program’s quality, flexibility and focus on career preparation.
“Our program is highly sought out because we work very hard to meet students where they are and help shape and mold them over time for a successful and satisfying career in nursing,” Andrews says.
“Most nurses who are seeking graduate education work 12-hour shifts and varying days during the week,” she adds. “They are looking for quality programs, experienced faculty, program delivery flexibility, as well as highly engaged faculty who care about student success.”
The ranking is based on student-faculty engagement, faculty credentials and training, student services and technologies, student excellence and opinion of high-ranking nursing academic officials.
In addition, U.S. News added specialty area rankings. Among those, the College of Nursing ranked No. 4 among public institutions for its online graduate “nurse practitioner-family nursing” program.
“Our faculty are forward-thinking and highly creative in their delivery and standards for our world-class programs — truly the best of the best,” Andrews says.
The College of Nursing’s online ranking comes after three consecutive classes achieving a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination.
The College of Education also was recognized for its excellence in the online graduate rankings, climbing to No. 23 overall and No. 22 among public universities. The college has consistently risen in national rankings over the past three years from No. 76 in 2018. In addition, the College of Education earned the No. 17 spot overall for its online educational administration program.
The rankings demonstrate the College of Education’s commitment to growing and enhancing its curriculum, teaching and impact. The college’s online programs provide students in the education profession the opportunity to learn from top faculty and researchers and the flexibility to earn an advanced degree from anywhere in South Carolina or the world.
“We are committed to serving educators no matter where they are and how they want to learn,” says Jon Pedersen, dean of the College of Education.
“Our online programs allow teachers and school administrators the flexibility to further their education while working,” Pedersen says. “As a college, we are continuously improving our online program to ensure they meet the changing needs of professionals while continuing to offer relevant content and experiences that will help students become better educators.”
Share this Story! Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about