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Southern Miss Recognized as Best Online College in Mississippi
The online education program at The University of Southern Mississippi has been recognized as the best among Mississippi colleges and universities in a 2015-16 ranking by AffordableCollegesOnline.org (AC Online).
Of the seven Mississippi schools that offer online courses and programs, Southern Miss ranked No. 1 based upon factors such as academic quality, student services and graduate success. Through the “Online at Southern Miss” program, students can find Bachelor’s, masters and Ph.D. programs in subjects ranging from elementary education to library information science. Students can also find certificate programs, supplemental endorsements, single courses, and hybrid and executive programs.
“We’re honored to be recognized by Affordable Colleges Online in this ranking as we enjoy steady growth in the number of students choosing our online programs,” said Sheri Lyons, director of the USM Learning Enhancement Center. “Online learning is ideal for those with busy work schedules, family obligations, the place-bound, or those who live far from our campuses. It’s another way to get a quality degree from an accredited institution and improve their career prospects.”
According to a recent study by the Babson Survey Research Group, the online student population in the country totals more than seven million. Eight percent of all Mississippi undergraduate students are enrolled in at least one distance learning course.
The far-reaching benefits of “Online at Southern Miss” are illustrated perfectly in the case of recent graduate Keri Lynn Manuel. The Perth, Western Australia resident and McAllen, Texas native, obtained her undergraduate degree in May through the Online Construction Engineering Technology program.
Work obligations took Manuel from Perth to the tiny mining town of Port Hedland roughly 1,000 miles away each Monday. On weekends she would fly back to Perth and tackle her online classwork.
“The staff in USM’s Construction Engineering program is fantastic,” said Manuel. “The instructors are quick to respond to emails and questions despite the 13-14 hour time difference. The administrative/advisory staff do everything they can to ensure the classes you need to graduate are available, and the advisors and instructors I have encountered do everything they can to work with your unique situation as long as you communicate your circumstances.”
Last December Affordable Colleges Foundation (ACF), a resource for online learning and college affordability information, included The University of Southern Mississippi in the top 20 of its new ranking of 2015’s Best Online Colleges. Southern Miss ranked 18th on the list, which cited schools that offer students affordable, high-quality programs combined with the flexibility of distance learning.
Additionally, the Southern Miss program was listed among Best Value Schools’ Top 30 Best Online Colleges for 2014.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org began in 2011 to provide quality data and information about pursuing an affordable higher education. The site features higher education institutions that have developed online learning environments that include highly trained faculty, new technology and resources, and online support services to help student achieve educational and career success.
To view the state-by-state rankings, visit: http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/about-us/media/best-in-state-2016/. To learn more about online programs at Southern Miss, call 601.266.5518 or visit: https://online.usm.edu/
