A Penn State Behrend student poses in Lilley Library.

U.S. News ranks Behrend's online programs among nation's best

New rankings place Penn State’s online programs – including programs developed and taught by Behrend faculty members – among the best in the nation.

New rankings by U.S. News & World Report place Penn State’s online programs – including programs developed and taught by faculty members at Penn State Behrend – among the best in the nation. Twelve programs, including the online MBA, earned top-15 rankings.

U.S. News developed the rankings based on statistical and peer-reputation surveys that measure engagement, faculty credentials, technology support and student excellence, among other factors. More than 380 institutions participated.

The rankings include the following Penn State Behrend programs:

  • The graduate business (non-MBA) programs, which are ranked 12th,
  • The online MBA, which is ranked 15th, and
  • The bachelor’s degree programs, which are ranked 16th.

The online bachelor’s degree in software engineering, developed and delivered at Behrend, was the first engineering degree to be offered online at Penn State. It blends engineering principles, computing skills, project leadership and software construction to provide a comprehensive understanding of the field.

In the online finance program, students learn analytical and conceptual skills that prepare them for a career in finance, including capital management, portfolio management and personal finance. The 120-credit program, developed and delivered at Behrend, is accredited by AACSB.

The online master’s degree in project management, which originated at Behrend, includes study of commercial and procurement law, corporate and business strategy, cost control, human relations and organization theory. Elective courses add knowledge of enterprise architecture, enterprise resource planning and supply chain management.

“Our online programs have global reach,” Penn State Behrend Chancellor Ralph Ford said. “Particularly at the graduate level, they make a college degree more accessible for working professionals, who need flexibility in their class schedule. Our national rankings by U.S. News affirm Penn State’s commitment to our students’ success, even when we aren’t teaching them in a traditional classroom.”

In addition to the online MBA option, the Black School of Business at Penn State Behrend offers a 30-credit MBA in three formats: Full- or part-time study in Erie, or part-time study at the Regional Learning Alliance in Cranberry Township. All three sequences are delivered in a hybrid format of online and in-class instruction.

To learn more about online education at Penn State, visit worldcampus.psu.edu.