WVU info tech online graduate programs land in U.S. News top 30; engineering programs in top 60

WVU Statler College continues to grow their online programs and were recently recognized in the U.S. News and World Report ranking. (WVU Photo/Megan Rinker)

Online engineering and information technology graduate programs at West Virginia University have been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report Best Online Program rankings on Jan. 27. 

Story by Paige Nesbit, director of marketing and communications
Photos by Megan Rinker

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

For the fourth consecutive year, WVU’s online graduate program in software engineering has been ranked in the top 30. The program, offered by the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, was tied for 27th this year with two other schools in the U.S. News rankings Best Online Master’s in Info Tech Programs.

U.S. News evaluated several online programs based on a variety of factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, and services and technologies.

The online midstream petroleum engineering, safety management, engineering management, and occupational safety and health programs are categorized in the Best Online Engineering Graduate Programs that tied and ranked at 60.

“Rankings are important for improving visibility and credibility. They play an important role in shaping employer perceptions and prospective students' outlooks, and in driving continuous programmatic improvements to strengthen the college's reputation,” said Ashish Nimbarte, director of online programs in the Statler College. “The Statler College's online programs are industry-relevant and build upon curricula that are research-informed supporting WVU's R1 status.”

In its 14th year, the U.S. News Best Online Programs is designed for individuals looking to complete or further their education. This year's edition evaluates more than 1,800 online bachelor's and master's degree programs using metrics specific to online learning. The rankings include only degree-granting programs offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions.

"What sets the top-ranked online programs apart is their commitment to delivering flexible coursework for professionals, parents, and service members seeking to advance their careers and broaden their knowledge,” says LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for education at U.S. News. “Our rigorous evaluation focuses on student engagement and support to highlight programs truly built for the modern learner." Prospective students can see how WVU compares to other institutions and how the rankings are calculated on USNews.com.

As rankings continue to evolve, the university is simultaneously strengthening its established programs and launching new ones both designed to meet emerging societal needs.

Since offering the first courses in 1996, the WVU online Master of Science in software engineering program has transformed from a regional focused program supporting the local growth in the federal IT sector to an internationally recognized program reaching learners from every industry in multiple countries remotely.

Dale Dzielski, the director of the MSSE online program stated, “The program’s content has stayed pace with the velocity of the software industry by going from teaching traditional methods to agile and human intensive activities to automated and AI integrated capabilities. I have found the key ingredients is assembling a world-class faculty and experts from the industry. The collaboration that occurs between the industry experienced learners tops off this recipe for success.”

“The engineering management and ABET-accredited safety management programs provide leadership, management and regulatory competencies that are directly applicable to industry needs,” Nimbarte explained. “At the doctoral level, the occupational safety and health program further contributes to innovation in worker health and safety. These programs have contributed significantly to the 40% growth in the number of online students in the Statler College over the last five years.”

“The new master’s program in artificial intelligence and upcoming master’s degree in cybersecurity are timely and significant additions to Statler’s online offerings,” Nimbarte stated. “These programs address growing industry priorities and global challenges, providing unique opportunities for individuals seeking career growth, transition, and professional development.”

Samuel Ameri, chair of petroleum and natural gas engineering stated that WVU has always been a hands-on place, it’s in our DNA but launching the nation’s first fully online midstream petroleum engineering master’s and certificate programs is our way of meeting the industry where it is right now.

“Midstream is the connective tissue of the energy economy, and with shale development reshaping this region and natural gas markets shifting fast, the demand for advanced, practical expertise has never been higher,” Ameri explained. “These programs were built with industry relevance at the core, so working professionals can sharpen their skills, expand their network and bring immediate value back to their operations without stepping away from their careers. Mountaineers go first and this program is proof positive of that.”

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