Saint Leo University Makes U.S. News & World Report Best List

Press release from Saint Leo University:

Jan. 31, 2022

Saint Leo University earned honors in five categories for providing the best online bachelor’s and master’s programs in the United States, according to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs edition, which was released Tuesday (January 25).

Saint Leo (https://www.saintleo.edu/) received honors in the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Psychology (36th); Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (tied for 101st); Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans (ranked 84th); and Best Online Bachelor's Programs in Business (tied for 98th) categories. In addition, Saint Leo was named one of the Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs, tied for the 65th-85th rankings.

“Earning this national recognition speaks to the commitment of Saint Leo University to provide a high quality, private university education to our students, no matter the platform—whether it be online, at our residential campus north of Tampa (FL), or at one of our 16 education centers in five states,” said Dr. Jeffrey D. Senese, university president. “Saint Leo was at the forefront of online education, and the university continues to innovate in this area. We strive to provide the best overall educational experience to all our students.”

Online education especially appeals to working adults, and many online students are looking to advance in or change their careers.

As part of its strategic plan, Saint Leo University focused on assisting adult learners through a “first-term experience” pilot program and in fall 2020, created the Iota chapter of Omega Nu Lambda, the national honor society for online students, which provided students with more opportunities to connect and network.

U.S. News & World Report assessed universities and colleges based on four categories:

● Engagement, which ranked bachelor’s and master’s degree programs based on promoting student participation and interaction with faculty members;

● Services and technologies, which looked at how well institutions support technology, learning assistance, career guidance and financial aid;

● Faculty credentials and training, which ensures that online instructors’ credentials mirror those of campus-based bachelor’s programs and makes sure faculty have proper training to teach distance learners; and,

● Expert opinion, which enlists a survey of high-ranking academic officials who look at intangible factors affecting program quality.

In addition, the master’s programs were rated on another category—student excellence—students in the programs show proven aptitudes, ambitions, and accomplishments in order to handle demands of rigorous coursework.

“We are proud of how Saint Leo University ranked this year, especially the first-time recognition of our undergraduate psychology program and our master’s in computer information technology program,” said Dr. Mary Spoto, vice president of Academic Affairs.

The 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings for Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs assessed online master's degrees in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, information systems, and information technology. Saint Leo offers an online master’s in cybersecurity, as well as online Master of Business Administration degrees with specializations in data analytics and cybersecurity management.

Saint Leo also is designated as a National Security Administration/Department of Homeland Security (NSA/DHS) National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).

“Our online undergraduate psychology degree is popular, and Saint Leo also offers an online specialization in clinical counseling,” Spoto said. “Saint Leo graduates pursue advanced study in psychology, as well as employment in human service settings and mental health care. A psychology major is also great preparation for careers in law, business, human resources management, advertising, and sales.”

To see the rankings, data, and methodologies for the 2022 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs edition, visit https://www.usnews.com/online.

This press release was produced by Saint Leo University. The views expressed here are the author's own.