UNLV continued its strong showing in U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of the nation’s top online degree programs, released Feb. 7. In the publication’s latest list, two UNLV disciplines – the bachelor’s of psychology and master’s of nursing – cracked the top 20.
Online programs have become a greater focus for the university in recent years as demand increases for hybrid and remote degrees. The latest U.S. News rankings reflect UNLV’s upward trajectory, with three UNLV programs ranked within the top 100 in their field. This includes the university’s online bachelor’s degree in psychology (18th), online master’s programs in nursing (20th), and undergraduate programs in business (31st). UNLV also ranked among the nation’s best online bachelor’s degree options for student veterans, jumping eight places this year to 65th.
“As UNLV continues to rise as a top national public research university, creating more online and hybrid programs is essential as they offer added flexibility and ensure greater access to in-demand academic programs for more students, anywhere they want to learn,” said UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield.
UNLV currently offers 32 fully online degree and certificate programs, and hundreds of online course options. The School of Nursing — which offers generalist and specialty master’s tracks in nurse educator preparation, family nurse practitioner, nurse midwifery, and psychiatric mental health — has ranked within the top 30 each year since U.S. News began rating online nursing programs in 2012.
UNLV’s online bachelor’s degree in psychology is designed for students seeking a liberal arts undergraduate degree and those intending to enter advanced training in psychology, education, medicine, or related fields. The Lee Business School offers elements of many of its programs online, including a fully online degree program in entrepreneurship.
U.S. News’ student veteran program rankings add to a growing list of accolades for UNLV in this area. The university, through its Military & Veteran Services Center, currently assists more than 1,700 current UNLV military-affiliated students. In 2023, UNLV ranked among the nation’s top 10 “Military Friendly” campuses of its size by G.I. Jobs Magazine, and it again earned a “Best for Vets” designation from Military Times.
In related rankings, UNLV’s overall online bachelor’s programs rose more than 30 places to rank 115. The College of Education’s online master’s program in education ranked 127.
Near the beginning of each year, U.S. News & World Report ranks online undergraduate and graduate programs on various criteria, including expert opinion and engagement, faculty credentials and expertise, services and technologies that allow for flexible distance learning, and resulting student excellence. The publication’s 2024 Best Online Programs rankings were released on Feb. 7.
To view the complete list of rankings and programs, visit
![Political cartoon showing "The Times" building with speech bubbles that say "Scandal after scandal, All I can Say is Four more Years" followed by "Why is he so happy" and then "He's the cartoonist."](/sites/default/files/styles/768_width/public/media/image/2024-10/MS-01047%20Mike%20Smith%20Box%2038%20Folder%201.jpg?itok=6iVxnNMX "Political cartoon showing "The Times" building with speech bubbles that say "Scandal after scandal, All I can Say is Four more Years" followed by "Why is he so happy" and then "He's the cartoonist."")