UF demonstrates a decade of distinction in enhancing education through online offerings

The University of Florida College of Education is again recognized as a national leader in online education, achieving one of the top two spots in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Online Graduate Education Programs for the tenth consecutive year.

Date

February 03, 2025

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A Decade of Distinction in Online Learning

The University of Florida College of Education is again recognized as a national leader in online education, achieving one of the top two spots in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Online Graduate Education Programs for the tenth consecutive year.

In addition to its online graduate education programs, the University of Florida was recognized as the best online bachelor’s program for veterans and active-duty service members for the third year in a row. UF was also named No. 2 in the country for online bachelor’s degree programs overall.

Glenn Good

“A decade of dominant rankings is evidence of our collective drive to achieve the college’s mission, preparing exemplary scholars and practitioners through a dynamic array of programs,” said College of Education Dean Glenn Good. “After ten years of trailblazing, our faculty, students, staff, alumni and partners around the globe are prepared to continue pushing the boundaries of education.”

Glenn Good, Ph.D.

College of Education Dean

Ranked at No. 2 in the country among 322 peer institutions the college also secured the top spot in the state of Florida.

The college’s remarkable achievement this year rounds out a decade of national distinction for developing innovative programs and preparing an exceptional education workforce – a recognition regularity that is unparalleled among other education colleges.

The College of Education currently offers a wide variety of online graduate degree programs and is constantly improving its online offerings through collaborative partnerships between dedicated faculty and the college’s E-Learning, Technology, and Communications (ETC) staff. This highly skilled team of instructional designers, videographers, editors, graphic designers, and web and application developers help to implement best practices and build learning environments that leverage emerging technologies and support learning objectives to improve student engagement and success.

“Leading our college’s course development team over the past decade has been infinitely rewarding, and the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students has been instrumental in maintaining our high standards of learning,” said Jason Arnold, director of ETC. “While a consistently high ranking is not our primary goal, it serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the highest quality of education. We are driven not by accolades, but by our passion for enriching lives and empowering future leaders.”

Jason Arnold, Ed.D

Director of E-Learning, Technology and Communications

Specialty Area Rankings

Since U.S. News began ranking specialty programs in 2020, the College of Education has ranked in the top 10 of all available specialty areas. These specialty area rankings are based on peer assessment of academic reputation and are as follows:

  • No. 1 – Special Education
  • No. 3 – Curriculum and Instruction
  • No. 7 – Administration & Supervision
  • No. 7 – Instructional Media Design/Educational Technology

According to U.S. News, a master’s degree in education increases opportunities for advancement in leadership positions and can help further careers in teaching, training and development, and administration. Overall program rankings are determined based on five general components: student engagement (30 percent), expert opinion (20 percent), faculty credentials and training (20 percent), student services and technology (20 percent), and student excellence (10 percent).

Engagement

Quality online graduate education programs grant aspiring teachers and educational administrators opportunities to readily interact with their instructors and classmates to create an experience rewarding enough that students stay enrolled and complete their degrees in a reasonable amount of time.

Services and Technologies

Programs that incorporate diverse online learning technologies allow greater flexibility for students to take classes from a distance. Outside of classes, strong support structures provide learning assistance, career guidance and financial aid resources.

Faculty Credentials and Training

Strong online programs employ instructors with academic credentials that mirror those of instructors for campus-based programs, and they have the resources to train these instructors to teach distance learners.

Peer Assessment

A survey of high-ranking academic officials in education helps account for intangible factors affecting program quality that statistics don’t capture.

Student Excellence

Student bodies entering with proven aptitudes, ambitions and accomplishments can handle the demands of rigorous coursework.

If I had to say anything about our program, it is that we are constantly adapting to meet the needs of our students and a rapidly evolving education space. We align our courses to the latest standards and pedagogy and listen to our students through exit interviews and other data. Based on what they tell us, we make changes to make the program as relevant and meaningful as possible. For example, students have asked for opportunities to connect while still maintaining the flexibility of online education, so we’ve built in experiences where we can work together in flexible ways. I conduct exit interviews with every single graduate, and the greatest compliment we get is when they say, “I wouldn’t change a thing.” We know better and are always adapting, but it means a lot when students say that.

 

Walter Balser, Ed.D.

Coordinator, Educational Leadership M.Ed. and Ed.S.

Since 2009, I have seen online instruction evolve from an experimental method of instruction in higher education to a vital and essential part of the student experience. For ten years, our comprehensive graduate programs and first-rate faculty have provided graduate students with a nationally ranked online education to advance their academic lives and further their careers.

 

Domenic Durante, M.Ed.

Assistant Director, Educational Programs

The Reading and Literacy Education program has a dedicated faculty who design and deliver quality online learning experiences that align with best practices in the field. The program attracts talented students nationwide and is committed to preparing highly qualified professionals who are capable of tackling pressing issues in literacy teaching, learning, and assessment.

 

Zhihui Fang, Ph.D.

Head of Reading and Literacy Education

A key feature of the Teach Well program is its emphasis on bridging the gap between theory and practice. Participants not only gain a deep understanding of evidence-based practices but are also encouraged to apply their learning immediately in their professional contexts. While many programs emphasize theoretical knowledge, Teach Well prioritizes equipping educators with tools and skills that can be directly applied to address challenges in their specific environments. Participants benefit from access to experienced faculty, peer networks, and resources that provide guidance and encouragement throughout their academic journey. Teach Well is more than just a degree program—it is a transformative experience that empowers educators to make a lasting difference in the lives of their students and in the field of special education.

 

Alisa Hason, Ed.D.

Teach Well program coordinator