RICHMOND — For the eighth consecutive year, EKU Online degree programs have been ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Eastern Kentucky University ranked in the top 30 for Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs. The university also ranked in the top 100 for Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Best Online Graduate Education Programs.

“Acknowledgements like these mean that we are achieving our mission of changing lives by offering high-quality online programs in disciplines that positively impact our society,” said Tim Matthews, executive director of the Office of e-Campus Learning.

Programs were evaluated based on engagement among students and faculty; technology and student support; faculty expertise; and assessment by peer institutions. Graduate programs were also judged on their selectivity.

EKU offers more than 20 online bachelor’s degree programs in areas including business administration, criminal justice, emergency medical care, child and family studies, fire protection, general studies, political science, nursing, communication, paralegal studies, psychology, social work and sport management. Most courses can be completed in eight weeks, which is half the time of the traditional on-campus class. This allows students with jobs or family obligations to take just one or two courses per term and make steady progress toward graduation.

EKU’s online graduate nursing programs provide master of science in nursing (MSN) options for those who want to become family nurse practitioners or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. Advanced programs of study include multiple post-MSN certificates and the doctorate of nursing practice degree.

EKU’s online graduate education programs include master of arts in teaching programs in interdisciplinary early childhood education, elementary education, middle grades and secondary education. Educators can also choose from nine online master of arts in education options, as well as post-master’s degrees, certificates and endorsement preparation programs.