The University of Georgia has some of the best online degree programs in the nation, according to the 2016 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs Rankings. UGA is ranked No. 3 among all universities for best online graduate programs in education and No. 5 for best online bachelor’s programs overall.

“These latest rankings from U.S. News reflect our commitment to delivering a world-class learning experience, whether on our campuses or online,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “Through our growing number of online degree programs, working professionals and other nontraditional students have opportunities to advance their careers by earning a degree from Georgia’s flagship university.”

Administered through UGA’s Office of Online Learning, a unit of the Office of the Vice President for Instruction, the online degree programs incorporate new and innovative teaching methods implemented through the pairing of faculty with staff who are formally trained in instructional design and distance education. Over the past three years, UGA has more than doubled its number of online degree and certificate programs to bring the total to 29.

“These rankings reflect the quality of our faculty and the innovations used in creating online courses, as well as the collaboration between UGA schools and colleges and the Office of Online Learning,” said Keith Bailey, director of the Office of Online Learning.

The College of Education offers 11 master’s or specialist degrees online, plus another 11 graduate certificates or teaching endorsements. Nearly 90 courses at the college are taught online every year, with the College of Education leading the university in the number of degrees available online. The college recently launched several degree programs, such as new master’s degree programs in social studies education, middle grades education and instructional design and development.

“Our online graduate programs draw their strength from our faculty, who continue to challenge and innovate within the online learning community,” said Craig H. Kennedy, dean of the College of Education. “And because we offer online options for master’s degrees and many teaching certificates and endorsements, there are a variety of options that appeal to a broad range of students.”

UGA offers two undergraduate degree completion programs, which are for students who have earned some college credits and seek to earn their diploma. The online bachelor of business administration program, offered through the Terry College of Business, is designed for working professionals, military personnel and others interested in furthering their business knowledge. The program operates on a cohort model, admitting about 40 students each fall, spring and summer semester. A typical student will complete two courses each semester and graduate in three years.

“I’m always proud to see that the quality of our programs is being recognized on a national level,” said Benjamin C. Ayers, dean of the Terry College. “Our Online BBA program is a great way for individuals to gain the skills needed to advance their careers, and we’re proud to offer our expertise to a wider audience of students.”

The online bachelor of science in special education is a degree completion program offered through the College of Education that provides students with the opportunity to become certified in the special education general curriculum for pre-K to grade 12 in the state of Georgia.

Announced every January, the U.S. News survey weighs factors such as student engagement, diverse learning technologies, admissions and faculty credentials. The College of Education launched UGA’s first online degree program in 2001, a master’s in adult education.