Clemson program ranked No. 1 among national online graduate education programs for second year

CLEMSON — U.S. News & World Report once again has ranked a Clemson University College of Education program as the best online graduate education program in the nation in 2019. The college’s Master of Education in Teaching and Learning program retains the top spot for the second year in a row.

George J. Petersen, founding dean of the College of Education, said maintaining this ranking in a crowded field of online education programs is no small feat.

“Our college sees the value of online programs that allow busy education professionals to further their careers, so we are once again thrilled by this recognition,” Petersen said. “We are committed to providing graduate programs that provide a best-in-class education experience. This recognition is proof of the hard work our faculty and staff put into making this a reality for our students.”

Jeff Marshall, interim associate dean for research and graduate studies for the college, said faculty and staff behind the program have continued to focus on the best ways to shape education content and delivery. Over the past year, they have prioritized constant, effective communication and support for students.

Marshall said the online program has allowed the college to provide high-quality, inclusive continuing education to teachers throughout the state and nation in areas both urban and rural. Addressing the complex and varied needs of these educators has furthered strengthened and refined the program.

Marshall said the availability of quality online graduate education programs is more important now than ever as the state and nation face low teacher retention rates. He explained that graduate programs such as the college’s M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning affect more than just the educators who engage in them.

“Our program produces leaders and mentors in the field of education,” Marshall said. “These educators become more committed to their work, and at the same time they become a source of knowledge and inspiration for their schools and fellow teachers.”

Marshall said achieving a top ranking requires a dedication to program quality and a determined focus on graduating each student who enters the program. According to U.S. News, the highest-ranked programs at the master’s level perform well on traditional metrics — such as having selective admissions and credentialed faculty — while also successfully adapting their course delivery for educating students remotely. U.S. News provides comprehensive data and ranking of online programs to prospective students.

The College of Education offers master’s and educational specialist degrees that prepare professionals for such fields as teaching, school administration, counseling, human resources and leadership in both higher education and athletics. The college offers many classes online to maximize accessibility and maintain quality.