WKU News

WKU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences is pleased to announce some of its online programming is ranked among the best in the nation and in Kentucky.

The online graduate level Education programs rank #3 in Kentucky and #2 in the commonwealth for veterans. Dr. Susan Keesey is the Director of the School of Teacher Education says online programs are absolutely critical right now to support school distracts that are facing a teacher shortage. “The School of Teacher Education is transforming our traditional in-person coursework into quality hyflex delivery options tailored to the needs of non-traditional students and school personnel working to become certified teachers.  These high-quality online programs increase the number of well-prepared teachers in our classrooms.”

Overall, undergraduate level online programs at WKU rank #1 for Veterans in Kentucky. Kent Johnson, Director of Military Student Services, explains the vital role of online learning for military connected students. “These rankings are a testament to the high quality academic and student support programs at WKU. Having these quality online programs opens WKU up to servicemembers and veterans who are not able to attend campus in person and they are able to take courses where they are and when they can. It helps them be able to continue their education and work towards their personal and professional goals, in a way that fits within their many other duties and obligations. In addition to offering courses in a format which fits the students’ needs, WKU offers exceptional student support services for our online students. We want our students to know that they are an important part of our WKU Hilltopper family and that they have our support, regardless of where and how they attend classes. Our office, WKU Military Student Services, seeks to be that connection to the physical campus of WKU, for our online learners. Our military connected students are often the “boots on the ground” serving all around the world, and we want to be their “boots on the ground” on the Hill at WKU. One example of Military Student Services being this physical connection or bridge between campus and the online students, is our free textbook lending program, “Textbooks for Troops”. With this program, we ship eligible military connected students the books they need for their classes. This means, no matter where they are serving around the world, when they use the Textbooks for Troops program, the receive a package before classes, containing the books they need to be successful, as well as a WKU Red Towel, so they can feel that connection with the institution and its traditions. In addition, the students like knowing that they have someone on campus that can be their eyes and ears at WKU, who can make connections for them, keep them apprised of important events, support services, and much more. In these ways and more, WKU makes a point to engage with our learners, regardless of whether they are learning online or in the classrooms, to offer them quality academic programs and the support services to assist them along their journey in higher education.” 

In the national standings, online graduate education ranked #89, graduate education for Veterans at #26, and online undergraduate degrees for Veterans at #34. WKU overall was ranked #55 in the nation for online undergraduate programs. You can see the full listings here.