UNE’s programs ranked among best online graduate schools for Master’s, Doctor of Education Degrees

The University of New England’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies and Westbrook College of Health Professions have been ranked among the best schools offering online programs for the Master’s in Social Work, Master’s in Public Health and Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degrees, released by Affordable Colleges Online.

Affordable Colleges Online provides reviews and rankings of top online colleges, universities and degree programs with the best combination of academic rigor, flexibility, support and affordability. Universities were scored based on the number of programs available, academic and career counseling services, job placement for graduates, and a calculation of the university’s overall value.

"I am so proud that the University of New England is being recognized for our outstanding online programs,” said President Danielle Ripich. “These awards continue to demonstrate UNE's commitment to providing quality, affordable education through distance learning." 

Of the 50 schools that made the list, UNE represented the state of Maine at number eight in the Master’s in Social Work rankings. “I am pleased for this recognition of our on-line Master’s in Social Work degree as it reflects the strength of our program, the outstanding and dedicated faculty and the success of our students,” said Elizabeth Frances-Connolly, Ph.D., dean of the Westbrook College of Health Professions. “Ours was the first fully on-line Social Work program in the country, and it continues to evolve with the addition of our Applied Arts and Social Justice certificate.”

UNE was ranked 25 in the Master’s in Public Health list and 40 in the Doctor of Education standings. “As prospective and current students select an institution to continue their graduate, online education, we know that return on investment is incredibly important to them,” said Martha Wilson, Ph.D., dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies & Associate Provost for Online Learning. “We are proud of the value that the programs at UNE Online hold for our graduates. This accolade reinforces the quality and rigor that we commit to in every offering within the online college, and we are proud to be recognized.”