Villanova’s College of Engineering Recognized Among Nation’s Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs

U.S. News and World Report released the 2016 rankings for Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs and Villanova University College of Engineering made the list for the second consecutive year. Factors determining overall rankings include student engagement, faculty credentials and training, peer reputation, and student services and technology. Based on these criteria, the College earned the #27 overall ranking (out of 83 programs), and ranked #16 in the “Student Engagement” category, which takes into account accessibility and responsiveness of the faculty, and the overall student experience.

Launched more than a decade ago, the College’s E-Learning program allows students to complete any of its nine master’s degrees entirely online, with the identical course material, instructors and semester pacing as students in the on-campus classroom. Students can choose from more than 100 graduate courses, enabling them to customize their curriculum to align with career goals. The MS degree programs at the College include Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Sustainable Engineering, and Water Resources and Environmental Engineering.

Whereas many institutions deliver online courses via recorded lectures, Villanova’s online graduate engineering program offers synchronous learning. Students can participate in real-time with on-campus classmates by logging in from anywhere in the world with internet access. Students who can’t participate in real-time can access archived class material at their convenience, 24/7. This virtual reference library continues to be available to them after graduation. The College also offers all graduate students the flexibility to take courses on campus when it fits their schedule, and online when it doesn’t. This level of convenience has drawn students from 28 states and six countries.

Dr. Gerard Jones, Senior Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, explains what sets the College’s program apart: “We understand that students are looking for flexibility without compromising educational quality, and our program provides that. I’m especially proud of our student engagement ranking. Villanova’s nationally recognized faculty take the time to get to know each student personally. We strive to provide all students with the knowledge and professional skills to master their chosen discipline by providing world-class technical content that is extremely relevant and highly applicable to their career.”

For the fifth year, U.S. News’ “Best Online Programs” rankings include online bachelor's degrees, as well as online master's degrees in business, engineering, computer information technology, education and nursing. Only degree-granting programs offered mostly or entirely online were considered.