University of Montevallo Earns High National Ranking for Online Master’s in Education Programs

January 22, 2025

The University of Montevallo’s online graduate education programs in the College of Education and Human Development have soared in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Master’s in Education Programs national rankings.

Montevallo’s excellence in online graduate education programs has been recognized with a ranking of 54 nationally, moving up from 73rd last year. Also, UM has once again ranked in the top four among Alabama institutions.

“We are proud of the hard work of our faculty, staff and students in our online education programs,” said Executive Director of Graduate Studies Dr. Jennifer Alexiou-Ray. “At Montevallo, we strive to create a community of learners in our online programs to help educators enhance the student learning experience in P-12 classrooms across the state.”

Assessing 328 schools – seven of which did not receive rankings – U.S. News & World Report ranked colleges’ and universities’ online graduate education programs by five weighted categories:

• Engagement (30%): Quality online graduate education programs grant aspiring teachers and educational administrators opportunities to readily interact with their instructors and classmates
• Faculty credentials and training (20%): Strong online programs employ instructors with academic credentials that mirror those of instructors for campus-based programs, and they have the resources to train these instructors to teach distance learners
• Peer assessment (20%): A survey of high-ranking academic officials in education helps account for intangible factors affecting program quality that statistics don’t capture
• Services and technologies (20%): Programs that incorporate diverse online learning technologies allow greater flexibility for students to take classes from a distance
• Student excellence (10%): Student bodies entering with proven aptitudes, ambitions and accomplishments can handle the demands of rigorous coursework

U.S. News selects factors, known as ranking indicators, to assess each program in these categories. A program’s score for each ranking indicator is calculated using data that the program reported to U.S. News in a statistical survey and a peer assessment survey.

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities.

UM’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) offers online programs in applied instruction, elementary education, secondary education, P-12 education and instructional leadership. Starting in fall 2025, the CEHD will offer a Master of Education in Special Education (K-6 and 6-12). Designed for those passionate about making a difference for students with disabilities, these online programs will prepare individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to support diverse learners in various educational settings.

Learn more about the difference that an education from a top-ranked online graduate program can make in your career at montevallo.edu/grad.