In today’s landscape of higher education, flexibility, accessibility and the ability to meet evolving student needs is more important than ever. With this in mind, U.S. News and World Report announced its 2024 rankings for the Best Online Master’s in Education Programs today. Portland State University’s College of Education (COE) ranked in the top 12% nationwide, tied at No. 35 out of 303 programs. This is a significant jump, rising 47 spots from No. 82 in 2023.
“We are excited to see our ranking improve significantly this year,” said Tina Peterman, interim dean of the College of Education. “It validates and underscores the innovative nature of our programs, the value we place on inclusion and the diversity of our students, staff and faculty.
“Increasing access to high quality education is critical,” Peterman added. “As the largest and most diverse College of Education in the state of Oregon, PSU offers first-rate flexible and affordable academic programs that prepare future teachers and leaders.”
U.S. News evaluated online programs in four areas to develop its 2024 rankings: student engagement, services and technology, faculty training and peer assessment.
Online graduate programs at the COE include a master’s in Early Childhood: Inclusive Education, an interdisciplinary program with a focus on one of the following specializations: Infant Toddler Mental Health, Constructivism (Inquiry-Focused Education), Early Childhood Special Education or a Distributed Pathway.
"The early childhood program has achieved broad accessibility, nationally and internationally, with students connecting to our clear commitment to anti-bias education and inclusion, and our innovative embrace of inquiry-focused education for infants through the early years," said John Nimmo, professor and program co-coordinator. "This commitment extends to our pedagogy with adult learners in online spaces."
Other vital online programs offered by the COE include a master’s in Early Intervention Special Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Visually Impaired Learner and Postsecondary Adult and Continuing Education.
“The Visually Impaired Learner (VIL) program stands unique in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska and Hawaii as the only program of its kind,” said Holly Lawson, the VIL program coordinator. “Providing online programming is a crucial strategy to help address the shortage of teachers serving the blind and visually impaired. This approach guarantees that students with visual loss in K-12 settings receive equitable access to high-quality education.”
To learn more about the COE’s top-ranked graduate programs visit www.pdx.edu/education.