The best online universities ASU Business School MBA program ranks high

The best online universities ASU Business School MBA program ranks high (Alberta Times) The latest survey shows that the universities that offer diploma courses entirely online...

(Alberta Times)

The latest survey shows that the number of universities offering diploma courses entirely online has nearly doubled in 10 years, from 34.5% in 2002 to 62.4% in 2012, allowing more students to receive higher education without quitting their jobs or moving their families. However, the quality of online courses varies, so "U.S. News & World Report" released the "2013 Best Online Education Courses" ranking to help students evaluate online courses, among which Pace University in New York State was listed as the best online university. U.S. News evaluated 237 online bachelor's degree programs, as well as master's degree programs in the following categories: business, education, nursing, engineering and computer information technology. Only programs that are 100 percent online and award diplomas are evaluated and ranked based on several factors: student engagement, professor qualifications and training, student services, and technology. In online master's degree programs, the school's admissions rigor is also taken into consideration, as are engineering and business program rankings, as well as academic peer reputation. Although U.S. News and World Report only evaluates online courses, many of the top schools also have physical campuses. A July 2012 report by online education company Learning House pointed out that for students choosing online courses, proximity to school is an important factor. About 80% of students live within 100 miles of the school, and most of them are within 50 miles. Being close to school helps students overcome their main complaint about online courses: lack of face-to-face time with professors. Some non-traditional colleges are rated highly because they have been offering online courses for some time, and many of the schools on the Best Colleges list are just starting to offer online courses. There are also some courses that have a good reputation but are unwilling to provide materials. Pace University, whose campus is located in New York City, has the No. 1 online bachelor's diploma program. Universities with eye-catching online master's degree programs include Washington State University (Business), University of Southern California (Engineering and Computer Information Technology), St. John's University in New York (Education), and Ferris State University in Michigan (Nursing). Most students who pursue online university diplomas hope to advance their careers to a higher level or change industries. Currently, the most popular online university departments among students include business management, accounting, information technology, finance and nursing. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University won second place for Best Online Business Master’s Diploma Program.