Gordon Ford College of Business News

Two online programs within Western Kentucky University’s Gordon Ford College of Business continue to climb and earn top placement on the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings.

GFCB’s Online Undergraduate Business program has been ranked No. 32 among the 2026 U.S. News & World Report—an increase of 11 positions from the 2025 rankings. The Bachelor of Science in Management with a track in Business Administration is an online Plus 2 in Business Administration. It is designed for Kentucky Community and Technical (KCTS) transfer students who wish to build upon their associate degree.

“Being recognized by U.S. News & World Report underscores the ongoing success of the online Plus 2 Program at the Gordon Ford College of Business. This acknowledgement, along with the strong rankings of our online MBA program, reflects our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education,” said Dr. Evelyn Thrasher, Dean of the Gordon Ford College of Business. “Our faculty continue to innovate and evolve within the digital learning landscape, ensuring a flexible and rigorous online curriculum. We are proud to equip students with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to achieve their academic and professional goals.”

GFCB’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) climbed to No.71 in this year’s rankings. Additionally, it was ranked 45th among the 2026 Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans.

“These rankings are especially meaningful because they validate the student-centered approach we’ve taken when designing and deploying our MBA program, said Dr. Kate Nicewicz Scott, MBA Director. “Our continued improvement nationally, along with recognition for serving veterans, underscores our focus on accessibility, quality instruction, and real-world relevance for today’s graduate students.”

The WKU MBA features a strong business core that builds essential leadership and management skills across all functional areas. Students can build their resume as they earn their MBA. After completing the seven core courses, students select a 9-hour concentration tailored to their career goals. For more information on the WKU MBA, visit www.wku.edu/mba.

About the Gordon Ford College of Business
The Gordon Ford College of Business (GFCB) at Western Kentucky University prepares the next generation of business leaders through six academic departments—Accounting, Analytics & Information Systems, Economics, Finance, Marketing, and Management. GFCB offers high-quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as certificates and minors.

Focused on student success, experiential learning, and career readiness, GFCB equips students with the skills, knowledge, and professional foundation needed to thrive and lead in today’s dynamic global business environment.