Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies (iSchool), along with Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS), have been recognized as No. 11 for Best Online Graduate Information Technology Programs for Veterans, and No. 19 in the rankings for Best Online Graduate Information Technology Programs by U.S. News and World Report for 2020.

The annual rankings were released earlier today. The full list is available on the U.S. news and World Report website.

The iSchool offers online master’s degree programs in Applied Data Science, Information Management, Information Management for Executives, and Library and Information Science.

“We are very pleased to have received this recognition for our online graduate programs from U.S. News. This is the seventh year in a row we’ve been ranked highly by U.S. News for Online Information Technology Programs and Online Information Technology Programs for Veterans,” says Victoria Williams, Director of Online and Post Traditional Education at the iSchool.

“Our online programs are strong and attract working professionals from around the world,” Williams continues. “The iSchool’s interdisciplinary and applied-learning approach means that students can customize a degree to gain the skills needed to meet their career goals and immediately apply what they’re learning in the classroom to their professional roles.”

iSchool Dean Rajiv Dewan adds, “There is a long record of groundbreaking work being done at Syracuse University’s iSchool. This 2020 ranking underscores that standing as well as the school’s ongoing commitment to innovation in the digital age. The iSchool is exceptional at offering today’s students and professionals the kinds of education and experiences they will need for successful careers in information policy, information behavior, information management, information systems, information technology, information services, data analytics, enterprise data systems and library science.”

Distance Education Leader

Online and distance education has been an integral part of the iSchool’s history. The iSchool has been at the leading edge of distance learning for three decades, having first offered online courses in 1993.

The iSchool’s online graduate programs are distinctive, offering the same curriculum and faculty in teaching roles as in its on-campus program. Faculty all receive specialized training in online pedagogy and have direct contact with students enrolled in online courses. Every iSchool campus classroom is equipped with the latest technology so that delivering distance education from that environment is seamless. The iSchool’s online programs offer limited immersion requirements, and students can fulfill them at several different times during the year.

Veterans Education Leader

Likewise, the iSchool is a leader in education in computer information technology educational programming for the military and military veteran student audience. Several years ago, the iSchool initiated programs especially geared to veterans pursuing post-military careers, applying the leadership experience they gained in the military and guiding them in the transition to civilian life. Today, the percentage of military and veteran students enrolled across all iSchool online programs is 18%.

Syracuse University’s strong record of educational engagement with veterans and military service men and women dates to World War II. All of those initiatives contribute to Syracuse University’s current standing as the No. 1 private institution for Veteran learning (according to The Military Times) with an array of resources and support offered to the veteran student population, Williams notes.

“The iSchool’s degree programs are designed to help military students and veterans apply the leadership experience gained in the military to the fields of business and technology, Williams adds. “Our online format is highly engaging and allows all students the access and flexibility needed to pursue their graduate degree and connect directly with faculty who are experts in the field, from wherever students are located or stationed.”

The U.S. News release notes that the rankings “offer the information needed to identify programs that best suit life and career goals of graduate students, and the top programs not only demonstrate strong academics but also create learning environments that are particularly well-suited to remote students.”

Feature photo: two people working on computers in the iSchool’s ICE Box. Photo by Charles Wainwright.