UIC climbs to No. 3 in U.S. News Best Online Programs rankings

The University of Illinois at Chicago’s online bachelor’s degree programs rose to the No. 3 spot in the 2020 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings.

For the second straight year, UIC’s online programs — in health information management, business administration and nursing — have moved up in the rankings, from 15th in 2018 to 5th in 2019. UIC’s climb in the rankings is, in part, a reflection of its commitment to providing access to quality education and ensuring students’ success, whether in the classroom or online.

“For the eighth consecutive year, UIC has ranked among the nation’s top institutions for online bachelor’s programs by U.S. News and World Report,” said Susan Poser, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at UIC. “UIC is committed to increasing access to quality online options for working professionals who cannot get to campus. Our faculty and staff’s dedication to student success is reflected in UIC’s number three ranking.”

U.S. News & World Report ranked 353 schools with online programs based on criteria including engagement, student services and technologies, faculty credentials and training, and expert opinion.

“In today’s ever-changing labor market, working professionals look to UIC for a wide range of innovative educational opportunities to continuously up-skill and re-skill,” said TJ Augustine, interim vice chancellor for innovation at UIC. “This ranking reinforces UIC’s position as a leader in advancing online education that meets the demands of the 21st century workforce.”

The Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management Degree Completion Program prepares students for a vast array of health information positions, from analytical roles to project management to health care system management, while applying real-world experiences to make a seamless transition from degree to profession.

“Health information management is a great career choice for those who want to work in health care, but not directly with patients, incorporating skills from medicine, business and technology,” said Karen Patena, UIC clinical associate professor and director of health information management programs. “Our online degree offers an alternative path toward eligibility for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam.”

UIC’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Degree Completion Program provides students with a well-rounded business education, while establishing a foundation for lifelong learning.

“BBA Online students study a top-ranked, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)-accredited business curriculum that mirrors the campus-based bachelor of science degrees, ” said Angela Prazza Winters, assistant dean of UIC Business student services. “The courses are taught by faculty who are top researchers in their fields. Our program offers students the convenience of studying online, which allows them to attend to other life commitments while pursuing their professional and career goals.”

The UIC RN to BSN Online Degree Completion Program is designed for students who are already practicing registered nurses seeking to continue their education. The online nature of the program and strong engagement from faculty and advisors creates an environment in which students can successfully manage their studies, career and personal life. Since students are nurses already working in the profession, there is a great opportunity for them to bring work experience to the classroom and take back knowledge to the worksite.

These working students get access to a high-quality BSN completion program and are able to sustain their enrollment because of their personal commitment and the support of faculty and staff, said Catherine Tredway, program director and clinical instructor in the UIC College of Nursing.

“It’s gratifying our evidence-based curriculum, problem-based course design, dedicated, expert faculty, and committed students are once again being recognized by such a high ranking from U.S. News & World Report,” Tredway said.

According to the U.S. News website, the vast majority of students enrolled in these ranked programs have earned at least some college credit. Rather than first-time college students, they are more likely to be working professionals in their 20s to 40s looking to advance in or change their careers.

To learn more about UIC’s online bachelor’s degree programs, visit UIC Extended Campus.