Webster University’s Online Master’s Programs Ranked Among the Best in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report

Three categories of Webster University’s online master’s programs were ranked among the best in the nation this week in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Online Programs guide. The University’s online business programs, education programs and information technology programs were all ranked nationally.

Both the online business and education programs rose in the rankings, while this is the first year that the information technology programs were listed. 

“As a pioneer in online education, Webster University continues to lead the way in bringing superior virtual education to students around the world,” said Webster University President Julian Z. Schuster. “At Webster, we assure consistent learning outcomes, irrespective of the mode of academic program delivery. Our online students are taught by the same professors who teach in the classroom, and follow the identical curricula, which is bringing a consistency to the student experience, regardless of whether those students chose to learn online or in a traditional academic environment.”

In the 2024 Best Online Programs ranking, Webster’s Master’s in Business Programs rose to #134 in the nation, up from the range of #160-211 last year. The programs in this category are any online business program that is not an MBA or related to technology. At Webster, that includes the masters’ in Business and Organizational Security Management, Human Resources Development, Human Resources Management, Management and Leadership, Procurement and Acquisitions Management, Marketing, Organizational Development and Change, and Finance. 

Webster’s Online Master’s in Education Program also rose on the list this year, landing at #214 from #245 last year. Programs included in that category include the masters’ in Education and Innovation, Reading, Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis, and Special Education with an emphasis in Specialized Approaches for Exceptional Learners.

Ranked for the first time this year were Webster’s master’s in information technology programs. Webster was ranked in the #70-92 range. Programs at Webster included in that ranking include the masters’ degrees in Information Technology Management, Cybersecurity Operations, Cybersecurity with an emphasis in Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity with an emphasis Artificial Intelligence.

The rise in the rankings is not surprising, as Webster’s Online Learning Center has made significant changes to the development, delivery, and support of online courses since 2022.

“We are consistently working at enhancing quality management in the online arena, listening to feedback from students and faculty about ways that we can improve,” said Assistant Vice President for Online Learning and Strategic Enrollment Research Michelle Loyet. “We have reorganized to bring better processes, creativity and quality management to how we deliver online education to our students.” 

The rise in the rankings is reflected by an increase in enrollment. In the past year, the number of graduate students taking online courses at Webster has increased more than 31%.

“We continue to see increases in new graduate students pursuing fully online degrees with a 3% increase in 2023-2024 compared to 2022-2023,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management Lisa Blazer.  “With more than 8000 students taking online courses across Webster’s campuses, we continue to provide flexible options for students to reach their education goals.”

According to U.S. News & World Report, this year’s Best Online Programs ranking evaluated more than 1,600 online bachelor's and master's degree programs using metrics specific to online learning. The rankings only include degree-granting programs offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions. The full rankings are online at usnews.com/education/online-education/rankings.