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West Texas A&M University’s online undergraduate program is the best in Texas and No. 24 in the country, according to newly released 2022 rankings from U.S. News & World Report.
Several graduate programs also rank highly state- and nationwide in the new standings, with eight total programs earning the magazine’s coveted Best Program status: overall undergraduate, undergraduate business, specialized graduate business, MBA programs and graduate programs in computer information technology, education, engineering and nursing.
“Virtual delivery has become omnipresent in higher education. As a pioneering institution in online instruction, West Texas A&M University earns quality and program distinctiveness ranking recognition by leveraging more than twenty years of experience,” said Dr. Neil Terry, executive vice president and provost. “Through the efforts of our faculty and staff, our online students receive an outstanding education at one of the most affordable and accessible institutions in the nation.”
U.S. News & World Report assessed 1,728 online degree programs around the country, measuring overall academic quality. The rankings are a key resource for students seeking information about online programs for degree completion and career advancement.
WT’s commitment to being a learner-centered university is a key component of the University’s long-term plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.
That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the five-year campaign — which publicly launched Sept. 23 — has raised more than $85 million.
WT earned six Best Graduate Program accolades out of seven reviewed by the magazine.
“This diverse set of rankings, across such a variety of award-winning disciplines, is unique and acknowledges the excellence in our graduate enterprise,” said Dr. Angela Spaulding, vice president for research and compliance and dean of the Graduate School.
WT scored particularly highly compared to other universities in Texas:
No. 3 in Texas in graduate information technology (No. 16 overall)
No. 4 in Texas for graduate business degrees in specialized disciplines—master of finance and economics and master of professional accounting (No. 30 overall)
No. 4 in Texas for MBA program
No. 4 in Texas in graduate engineering programs
No. 5 in Texas in graduate education programs
No. 7 in Texas in nursing
This is the first time WT’s graduate programs in engineering and nursing have earned Best Program status.
“This ranking showcases the hard work and innovative design of our faculty and students in the College of Engineering,” said Dr. Emily Hunt, dean. “Engineers are increasingly expected to have interdisciplinary knowledge of all facets of engineering. WT’s master of science in engineering degree program is geared toward providing interdisciplinary engineering education for both continuing students and industry professionals interested in everything from water and energy technologies to promising research advancements.”
“I could not be any prouder of both our students and our nursing faculty for the hard work and dedication they have demonstrated in achieving these honors, especially as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our department,” said Dr. Holly Jeffreys, head of WT’s Department of Nursing. “By educating our nurses locally, we are not only growing and strengthening our health care workforce, but we are improving the lives and outcomes of the people across the Texas Panhandle.”
This is the second consecutive year WT’s graduate education programs have been included in the rankings and the first to include the initial cohort of graduates in the doctor of educational leadership program.
The included programs in the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business have been recognized as part of the Best Program rankings for 10 consecutive years.
WT’s online bachelor’s degree programs for veterans are No. 1 in Texas and No. 15 overall, and the online MBA program for veterans is No. 3 in Texas and No. 48 overall.
“This recognition shows how deeply committed WT is to providing a welcoming environment, quality education and path to success for veterans, dependents and the military community,” said Leo Reid, director of veteran services.
The 15 programs highlighted for the undergraduate bachelor’s degree program rankings are applied arts and sciences, communication studies, computer information systems, criminal justice, law and economics, digital collaboration and economics, electrical engineering, emergency management administration, finance, general business, general studies, health sciences, management, marketing, and nursing.
Factors that influence rankings include student engagement, faculty credentials, faculty training, student services, technology infrastructure, technology support, and expert opinion, including peer evaluations from administrators and faculty at other universities.
-West Texas A&M University