BIG RAPIDS — Ferris State University’s online programs posted major gains in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, including a 159-place jump for its online bachelor’s degree programs and a top-10 national ranking for its online Masters of Information Security & Intelligence program, the university said.
U.S. News & World Report reviewed more than 1,800 online bachelor’s and master’s degree completion programs across the United States for its 14th annual evaluation of distance education. Programs were assessed on student engagement, faculty credentials, services and technologies and peer reputation.
Ferris State’s online bachelor’s degree programs were ranked No. 105 nationally, up 159 places, representing the largest improvement among Michigan public universities. Ferris State ranked third among Michigan public institutions in that category.
“This recognition reflects both the quality and the growing reach of Ferris State’s online programs,” Linda M. Goulet, acting dean of the College of Business, said. “Students from across Michigan and beyond are choosing Ferris State because our programs deliver real-world skills that fit into busy professional and personal lives — and lead to meaningful career advancement.”
Jennifer Hegenauer, associate dean of Expanded and International Operations, said the university’s focus has been “on meeting students where they are and helping them persist, achieve their goals, and complete their degrees.”
Ferris State’s online Information Security & Intelligence program earned a No. 9 national ranking and was placed No. 1 in engagement, No. 6 in faculty credentials, No. 11 in services and technology and No. 4 in student excellence, according to the release.
U.S. News noted that all Ferris State faculty members are working professionals in their fields, hold relevant certifications and are doctorally qualified, the university said.
The university’s Information Security & Intelligence program is ABET accredited and designated by the National Security Agency as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, according to the release.
The programs are supported by Ferris State’s $32 million Center for Virtual Learning, which includes double-nested Faraday rooms, a secured cybercrime lab, dedicated penetration testing and satellite cybersecurity research labs, segmented networks, synchronous online and in-person classrooms and a cyber competition arena with live broadcast capabilities.
Other Ferris State online programs earning national recognition include a Master’s in Criminal Justice ranked No. 75, a Master’s in Nursing ranked No. 93, online business programs ranked No. 125 and a Master of Business Administration ranked No. 172, the university said.
The rankings recognition comes as Ferris State has also received an “Opportunity University” designation from Carnegie Classifications, citing institutions that provide access to high-quality programs while delivering strong earnings outcomes, according to the release. Ferris State graduates consistently earn more in their fields than graduates of peer institutions, the university said.