The Meinders School of Business has been ranked as one of the best online business programs in the country.
The US News and World Report recently ranked OCU as No. 41 in the country for Best Online Master’s in Business Programs (non-MBA). The online graduate programs for Energy Management and Energy Legal Studies were specifically recognized. OCU ranked above University of Illinois-Springfield, University of San Diego and Syracuse University.
The ranking is conducted based on engagement, expert opinion, faculty credentials and training, services and technologies, and student excellence, according to the US News website.
In order for a school to be recognized by the US News and World Report, it first has to be credited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Steve Agee, Meinders School of Business dean, said very few schools in the country are accredited.
“Only about 4.5% are accredited by AACSB. The standards that you have to meet to become an AACSB accredited business school are extremely rigorous,” Agee said.
This is the sixth consecutive year the Meinders School of Business has been recognized by the US News and World Report. It was first accredited by the AACSB in 2014. The two graduate energy programs that have been recognized started in 2012.
“These programs were pretty unique. We were the first really in the nation to start Masters-level graduate energy programs,” Agee said.
Agee, who teaches the Energy Management course recognized by the US News and World Report, said he tries to get his students to look at the big picture.
“It’s easy to say, ‘let’s transition away from hydrocarbons to greener forms of energy.’ How exactly would we do that? It’s much more complex,” Agee said.
The two energy courses used to be live-streamed, but this past fall, they have gone strictly online. Agee said the classes are even available for international students.
“The advantage of online is the convenience for the students,” Agee said.
Jane Goto, marketing sophomore, said she’s not surprised Meinders was recognized and hopes this recognition will continue the school’s good results.
“They’re going to keep bringing in students who can get jobs just like that,” Goto said.
Agee said students, specifically graduate students, are delighted about the recognition.
“It ups the level of their standing with respect to their peers,” Agee said.
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