By Ian McAninch, student intern writer, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Campbellsville University's online programs have received high rankings from U.S. News & World Report including being ranked first in Kentucky for 2018-19 Best Online Business Programs (excluding MBA).
Other high rankings include ranking second in Kentucky for Best Online MBA Program, ranking fourth for Best Online Education Programs and ranking fifth in for Best Online Bachelor's Programs.
Dr. Donna Hedgepath, provost and vice president for academic affairs said, “Campbellsville University is committed to providing quality programming and faculty for all modalities of instruction. The experience and program quality that a student has online is a priority to us and the ranking is a testament to our commitment to program and faculty quality.”
Dr. Pat Cowherd, dean of the School of Business, Economics and Technology, said “The staff and faculty of the School of Business, Economics and Technology (SBET) are proud to be included in the 2018 U.S. News best online program rankings.
“SBET strives to prepare students for careers in business, technology and economics by emphasizing Christian ethics and business leadership. The online format is making it possible to reach prospective business students from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.”
Cowherd said the graduates of SBET will enter “demanding professions; therefore, cultivating excellence is a minimum standard for SBET. The goal is to attract the most devoted students and match them with advisors who genuinely care about their educational success.”
She said the professors in the school, through a cohesive, virtual atmosphere, “consistently use the most current teaching materials available. There is a consistent yield of exceptional graduates upon whose position in the global marketplace is revered. “
Dr. Shane Garrison, vice president for enrollment services, said, “Campbellsville University has been committed to excellence in online education for years.”
“One of the hallmarks of our growth is ensuring our faculty are equipped with the best online teaching methods and skills.”
Garrison said he is “thrilled with the most recent rankings” adding “it gives proof that we are highly committed to making online education a significant part of Campbellsville University's future.”
Dr. Lisa Allen, interim dean of Campbellsville University's School of Education, said, “We are so pleased to be ranked fourth in Kentucky for best online education programs. I believe the popularity of CU's online education programs lies in its authenticity and practicality being developed by CU content specialists and teachers, school counselors and school district administrators from our P-12 partners.”
She said the online School of Education program “has been specifically designed to meet the demands of Kentucky Public Schools and is taught by professors who have both doctorates and professional experience working in P-12 schools.”
“The program utilizes online classrooms and web-based applications coupled with school-based field experiences that engage teacher, school counselor and administrator candidates in opportunities to learn, practice and apply knowledge and skills in real world contexts.”
She said, “Our candidates leave us with strategies and expertise that provide the foundation for leadership in their respective schools and districts.”
The U.S. News rankings evaluate degree-granting online programs at regionally accredited institutions. Campbellsville University's online programs are among more than 1,500 programs surveyed by U.S. News. Only regionally accredited institutions whose programs are offered mostly or entirely online were evaluated.
To calculate the online rankings, U.S. News looked at student engagement, admissions selectivity, peer reputation, faculty credentials and training, student services and technology.
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 from data collected in a separate peer reputation survey.
Campbellsville University is a widely-acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 13,000 students offering more than 90 programs of study including Ph.D., master, baccalaureate, associate, pre-professional and certification programs. The university has off-campus centers in Kentucky cities Louisville, Harrodsburg, Somerset, Hodgenville and Liberty with Kentucky instructional sites in Elizabethtown, Owensboro and Summersville. The university also has a full complement of online programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.