Mason online programs in education and engineering are ranked in the top 20 nationwide

George Mason University’s online degree offerings are some of the best in the nation, with five programs in education and engineering ranked in the top 20 among public universities, according to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings released Tuesday.

Mason’s stature as the most innovative and diverse public university in the Commonwealth of Virginia positions it to provide evolving online learning opportunities.

“Mason’s online programs are part of our commitment to provide access to excellence for our students,” Mason Provost and Executive Vice President Mark Ginsberg said. “We have an institutional and programmatic commitment to meeting students where they are, and we are proud of this national recognition.”

Mason’s industrial engineering program is 10th in the nation among publics, up from 15th in 2022, with its engineering program moving up one spot to 35 among publics, and 3 spots to 44th overall nationally.

Moreover, Mason’s graduate online engineering programs are now ranked 2nd among Virginia publics, a jump of 3 spots, and Mason’s MS in systems engineering program is the top ranked public program in Virginia.

“The strength of Mason’s engineering programs translates to graduates who are ready to take on today’s tech careers,” said Ken Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing.

Mason’s nursing program, unranked last year, was ranked at 46th among publics this year.

“As Virginia’s first and only College of Public Health, we are committed to interprofessional academics, research, and practice to improve population health and well-being. Our MS in Nursing is preparing the next generation of leaders for clinical impact,” said Melissa J. Perry, dean of Mason’s College of Public Health.

Mason also saw improvements in its MBA program, both overall—moving up 19 spots to 51st among publics and 25 spots nationally to 73rd—as well as in its ranking of MBA for veterans, where it is 35th among publics and 46th nationally, up from 49th and 64th, respectively.

Mason’s education program is ranked as a top program for veterans, in recognition of Mason’s strong partnership with this group, which represents about 10% of its student population.

The education curriculum program rose 9 spots to 12th among publics and overall nationally, and its education administration and supervision program rose 5 spots nationally and among publics to 15th and 14th, respectively. Mason’s special education program was ranked 11th both nationally and among publics.

“Mason’s partnerships with school systems, industry, and other employers make it a strong choice for educators looking to continue their education and advance in their careers in Northern Virginia,” said Ingrid Guerra-López, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “We are also an interdisciplinary partner with our schools and colleges at Mason, creating just in time programming that employers really value.”

This year's rankings evaluate more than 1,800 online bachelor's and master's degree programs, with varying methodologies depending on the discipline, though U.S. News notes that all methodologies “incorporate metrics specific to online learning.”

Learn more about the rankings.

Editor's note: This story has been updated