By David West
06/09/2017
NATCHITOCHES – Six online academic programs at Northwestern State University have been ranked in the top 10 in the nation by higher education ranking groups.
The Online Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems ranked first by bestcollegereviews.org. The website affordable colleges.com ranked NSU’s bachelor’s program in accounting third, the bachelor’s in criminal justice fourth and the bachelor’s in business administration 10th. Northwestern State’s psychology program is ranked as the seventh best counseling program by bestcolleges.com. NSU’s master’s in English was ranked sixth by onlineu.org.
“Northwestern State has worked over the past several years to develop outstanding online degree programs that are affordable and meet the needs of students,” said Dr. Darlene Williams, vice president for technology, innovation and economic development. “This recognition by experts in the field of distance learning validate the work done by our faculty and staff to develop innovative, responsive academic programs.”
CIS programs were ranked based on tuition, customization options, certifications and unique features or programs. The ranking is at bestcollegereviews.org/top/online-management-information-systems-degree.
Affordablecolleges.com creates a value score weighing criteria including loan default rates, graduation rates and financial aid data to draw distinctions between programs that appear inexpensive up front and those that will pay off in the long run. The site uses the latest data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) which is run by the U.S. Department of Education. IPEDS offers reliable and accurate insight into affordability, academic pedigree, and online/distance learning programs. The rankings are available at affordablecolleges.com/rankings.
The rankings for the psychology program were grounded in statistical data and a few consistently applied guiding principles, including academic quality, affordability and online competency. The 2017 rankings reflect the most recent data available from IPEDS and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. The site assesses relative quality based on academic outcomes, affordability and the breadth and depth of online learning opportunities.
The ranking is at bestcolleges.com/features/top-online-counseling-programs.
The master’s in English was evaluated using National Center for Education Statistics data to determine acceptance rates, program accreditation and profit status. The site determined which degree level was most important for employment within a given subject. The rankings are at onlineu.org/most-affordable-colleges/english-masters-degrees.
Northwestern State has Louisiana’s first and largest electronic campus at nsula.edu/ensu. The university offers 39 online degree programs. Internet-only students do not pay out of state fees. Northwestern State is currently developing several competency-based programs specifically for online students, all of which can be applied to a full baccalaureate degree.
NSU has been designated a 2017 Military Friendly School, a designation is awarded to colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students and dedicate resources to ensure their success both in the classroom and after graduation.
Information on academic programs at Northwestern State are available at nsula.edu/academicprograms-2.
