Nine Mason online programs ranked by U.S. News in top 50 among public universities

George Mason University continues to advance as a top 50 university in the national rankings. U.S. News & World Report rankings of online master’s degree programs, announced today, include nine Mason programs in the top 50 among public universities and eight in the top 50 among all institutions. Nursing, education, business, and offerings for veterans were among the top-ranked programs.

“These rankings are a testament to the strength of our degree programs, the talent of our faculty, the excellence of our student body and their aptitude for rigorous coursework,” College of Education and Human Development Dean Ingrid Guerra-López said. “Our year-over-year rise confirms and reinforces our ongoing commitment to innovate and grow to meet the needs of today’s workforce.” 

As a university that prides itself on access and affordability, Mason’s strong showing in online rankings resonates with students, professionals looking to enhance their careers, and others looking for flexible class offerings. The online program rankings come on the heels of several top 50 rankings for Mason last fall as well. You can check out all of Mason rankings on our rankings page.

The nursing program climbed to 34th in U.S. News, best in the Virginia-Maryland-Washington, D.C., region, up 12 spots from last year, and the program’s overall national ranking rose 15 spots to 49th. In the nursing program geared toward veterans, Mason is 11th among public universities and 18th overall nationally.

“George Mason University’s interprofessional approach to nursing and our innovative teaching practices, including virtual reality applications, prepare students for tomorrow’s health care challenges today,” College of Public Health Dean Melissa J. Perry said. “Mason nurses build knowledge and gain cultural competencies, distinguishing them as some of the most well-rounded nurses in the country.”

Amid a national shortage of special education teachers, Mason ranks eighth nationally in special education, and eighth among public universities, up three spots in both from last year. Education for veterans is 14th among publics and overall, up three and four slots from last year, respectively. In addition, education is 40th among publics and 45th overall, topping by eight and seven spots the rankings from last year. Curriculum and instruction is 17th among publics and overall.

Mason’s education program is why Northern Virginia is home to some of the nation’s top public school systems. An estimated half of Northern Virginia K-12 school administrators, and by some estimates one-third of teachers, have Mason degrees or certifications.

“We are so proud to support the region with skilled and well-prepared professionals,” Guerra-López said. “We work collaboratively with school divisions, community organizations, government, business, and other partners to help build an educated and thriving community.”

The Costello College of Business earned three high rankings, including 41st among publics, and 50th overall, in online MBA for veterans. About 1 in 10 students at Mason identifies as active duty, veteran, or dependent.

“Mason is a place of possibility for active-duty service members and veterans to acquire new skills and qualifications, and to ease the transition to civilian life and advance their careers,” Costello College of Business Dean Ajay Vinzé said. “This is an important role Mason plays for the military community as they continue to contribute and lead in society.”  

Non-MBA business is 44th among publics and up four spots to 62 nationally. MBA is 54th among publics and 74th overall.

Among the other highlights from the rankings are information technology at 35th among publics and 50th overall, both slightly up from last year. Engineering came in at 51st among publics and 67th overall.