vcsuValley City (VCSU, CSi) Valley City State University’s online degree programs—both its Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Bachelor’s Degree programs—have been nationally ranked in the 2016 U.S. News Best Online Programs.

VCSU’s online M.Ed. is ranked 83rd among 263 programs listed in the Graduate Education rankings, and in the Best Online Bachelor’s Program category, VCSU is ranked 143rd of 297 listed programs.

No other North Dakota schools were listed in the Graduate Education rankings; in the Best Online Bachelor’s Program lists, Minot State University (191st), Mayville State University (205th) and the University of North Dakota (208th) were ranked along with VCSU.

“We’re proud of the recognition our online programs have received from U.S. News,” said President Tisa Mason. “We emphasize best practices in teaching, learning and technology at VCSU, so that regardless of how the instruction is delivered, students enjoy a rich and rigorous educational experience. That shows in the honors our programs receive.”

“Online instruction affords students additional flexibility in choosing their courses and where they take them,” added President Mason, “so when they choose us, we’re able to increase the reach of the university beyond Valley City and North Dakota, providing online accessibility in key areas.”

U.S. News surveyed colleges and universities with online programs to obtain data for the rankings. Graduation rates, class sizes, retention rates, student indebtedness, technological infrastructure, support services, and percentage of faculty with terminal degrees and with tenure were among the many factors that were considered in ranking online programs.

More information on the rankings is available at www.usnews.com/education/online-education.

VCSU’s fully accredited M.Ed. program is offered completely online to meet the needs of practicing teachers. Concentrations in the M.Ed. program at VCSU include elementary education, English education, library and information technologies, teaching and technology, teaching English language learners, and technology education. More information about the program is available at www.vcsu.edu/graduate.

VCSU offers online Bachelor’s Degree programs in business education, business process integration management, career and technical education, English education, history education, professional communication, and technology education. More information can be found online at online.vcsu.edu.

In the 2016 U.S. News and World Report Best College Rankings, Valley City State University was ranked as the No. 1 public regional college in the Midwest; VCSU has been named a U.S. News “Best College” for 18 consecutive years.