The University of Mississippi’s online Master of Business Administration program has been named as one of the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings place Ole Miss in a five-way tie for No. 25 among public universities and No. 29 overall.
UM is tied with Florida International University and the universities of Iowa, Delaware and Nebraska at Lincoln for the No. 25 spot. The University of Florida, at No. 4, and Auburn University, No. 18, were the only Southeastern Conference school ranked ahead of Ole Miss.
“The online MBA program continues to be an outstanding educational experience and a wonderful value for students looking to enhance their business skills,” said Ken Cyree, dean of the School of Business Administration. “We have been teaching online in the MBA program for almost two decades, and therefore our professors have the experience and commitment to be able to deliver the content in an engaging and productive way to create an effective learning environment.”
Master’s programs in business administration are by far the most popular graduate business degree programs, according to U.S. News. The publication examines data from 345 schools to compile its rankings of distance education MBA programs annually.
“Our online MBAs include very impressive professionals across the country,” said Ashley McGee, director of MBA programs. “Many of our students are currently in mid to upper management positions, yet they want to continue to grow as they recognize the importance of being ‘top notch’ in their fields.”
One of those students is Ryan Eckert, owner and CEO of Eckert Eagle LLC in Winter Garden, Florida.
“The online MBA program at Ole Miss has allowed me access to talented and knowledgeable professors that care about my education,” said Eckert, who is on track to complete the program this summer.
“My classes are challenging, well organized, and deliver knowledge on a diverse core of relevant subjects, which I have been able to utilize immediately in my career. I feel part of the Rebel community rather than simply an online student.”
The publication selects factors, called ranking indicators, to assess each program. For the 2024 edition, U.S. News ranked online MBA programs using five categories: student engagement, peer assessment, faculty credentials and training, student excellence, and services and technologies.