University of Maryland School of Nursing Continues to Rank Among Best Online Programs in Nation

School ranks in top 5 nationwide in Nursing Administration/Leadership and Nursing Education, top 20 for Veterans programs

Baltimore, Md. – In U.S. News & World Report’s newly released “2023 Best Online Programs” rankings, the University of Maryland School of Nursing’s (UMSON) online graduate programs ranked among the best in the nation. UMSON ranked in the top five programs nationwide among public schools of nursing in the Nursing Administration/Leadership Programs category (No. 2) and in the Nursing Education Programs category (tied at No. 3), both of which recognize the School’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Health Services Leadership and Management (HSLM) specialty for its multiple focus areas.

The School also ranked among the Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs for Veterans nationwide, at No. 18 overall.

The U.S. News' rankings represent the most respected and in-depth evaluation of U.S. graduate programs that are designed to be administered online. UMSON is among the 186 schools ranked, out of 580 surveyed.

“I am proud and excited that we have received these outstanding rankings,” said Lori Edwards, DrPH, BSN ’80, RN, CNS-PCH, BC, assistant professor and associate dean for the Master of Science in Nursing program. “Congratulations and acknowledgments are well deserved for all of the talented faculty. They are dedicated to building future nurse leaders who become change agents and improve health care delivery. Graduates from our programs are now renowned health care system leaders, and for that we are most proud as well.”

UMSON’s fully online MSN HSLM specialty offers leading-edge courses, personalized mentorship, and individual placements in practicums that support students’ career goals to refine advanced nursing leadership and nursing administration skills. Practicum placements are with leaders at hospitals and health care systems, universities and community colleges, national and state agencies, and more. Following completion of the core courses, students concentrate on one of three focus areas: Leadership and Management, Education, or Business.

The Leadership and Management focus, recognized by the Nursing Administration/Leadership Programs ranking, supports students’ career goals by defining and honing the nursing leadership skills they need to succeed in a variety of health care settings and roles. The Education focus, recognized by the Nursing Education Programs ranking, creates a dual pathway to advancement, as students focus on the knowledge and skills needed to excel as a nurse leader and as a clinical instructor or faculty member.

In terms of the Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs for Veterans, the School has a long history of serving military populations. The first superintendent, Louisa Parsons, was a decorated nursing veteran of the British Army, both before and after her time at the School of Nursing. UMSON has educated nurses who have served in every major military engagement since the Spanish-American War in 1898. Today, about 1 in 12 students has served, currently serves, or is a dependent of a military veteran. Veterans and active-duty service members benefit substantially from online education that is affordable, accessible, and reputable.

U.S. News’ rankings are based on indicators such as student and faculty engagement, faculty credentials and training, student services and technology, student excellence, and peer assessment, using data collected directly from each institution. Only degree-granting programs that are offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions were considered, and the programs that score the highest are those applying educational best practices specific for distance learners.

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The University of Maryland School of Nursing, founded in 1889, is one of the oldest and largest nursing schools in the nation and is ranked among the top nursing schools nationwide. Enrolling nearly 2,100 students in its baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, the School develops leaders who shape the profession of nursing and impact the health care environment.