Virginia Tech Programs Score Top Spots in US News & World Report’s Top Online Programs 2022 Ranking | VTX

Virginia Tech’s online master’s in information technology (MIT) has risen to third place (up from 4th place last year) among the nation’s top online programs, according to the new 2022 US rankings. News & WorldReport. For the second year in a row, the program also ranked #1 for veterans.

Virginia Tech is also ranked #20 in US News & World Report’s Best Online Engineering Programs.

The MIT program is a collaboration between the College of Engineering and the Pamplin College of Business and combines a variety of courses taught by the following departments: the Department of Computer Science and the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, both of the College of engineering. ; and the Department of Accounting and Information Systems, the Department of Business Information Technology, and the Department of Management, all located at Pamplin College of Business.

In 2021, the program introduced new cutting-edge courses and certificates designed to meet market needs for artificial intelligence, machine learning, innovation and entrepreneurship, said Parviz Ghandforoush, Professor, Associate Dean and Executive Director of the MIT Program at Pamplin College. work.

“We are committed to providing quality education and services with an up-to-date curriculum,” said Pamplin Dean Robert Sumichrast. “MIT’s high ranking aligns with other national recognitions that Pamplin, the College of Engineering, and the university receive.”

Virginia Tech’s MIT program is one of the largest computer science master’s programs in the nation, enrolling nearly 1,000 students from the United States and other countries who want to learn more about information technology and its apps.

“They want to understand how the concepts, tools and techniques we teach in the program can benefit their employers or their own businesses,” Ghandforoush said. “A large majority focus on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence/machine learning, big data and analytics, and innovation/entrepreneurship.”

The MIT program has been ranked among the top degree programs in the nation since 1999, and since 2014, enrollment in the program has been steadily increasing at approximately 10% per year.

Ghandforoush said while 2021 saw a decline in enrollment at MIT due to continued uncertainty surrounding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, that trend has not extended to the number of enrolled veterans, who have been less affected by economic conditions.

“Veteran enrollment continued to grow due to the program’s 100% online synchronous/asynchronous delivery format and a growth in the number of IT job openings. We have been directly involved in educational training for veterans here in the United States and overseas to fill the growing number of IT job openings,” Ghandforoush said.

This growing need for IT professionals is a driving factor in MIT’s curriculum methodology and flexibility, said Glenda Scales, associate dean for global engagement and chief technology officer for the College of Engineering.

“Our MIT program faculty continually improves the learner experience and expands what it means to engage our learners in a virtual environment,” Scales said. “The need for IT professionals is always critical and our goal is to work with our talented faculty and learners to provide flexible opportunities for professionals to earn certificates and degrees in the field of information technology.”

With this year’s ranking, Virginia Tech’s online graduate engineering program also maintained its position in the top 20 best online master’s degree engineering programs, reflecting its unwavering dedication to enabling students to succeed in the labor market, either as new professionals or as those making career transitions.

“Today’s students greatly value flexible, high-quality online graduate program options that allow them to balance professional careers, families, and other circumstances,” said Julia Ross, Dean of engineering Paul and Dorothea Torgersen. “We expect the demand for these College of Engineering programs to only increase as students seek accessible options that give them a head start in the job market and allow them to pursue careers. new career opportunities based on existing schedules and obligations.”

Scales said that to meet industry demands for online graduate certificates and degrees, the College of Engineering plans to launch a new Certificate Program in Construction and Infrastructure and Facilities Engineering and Management. online graduate degrees in mechanical, nuclear, and materials science engineering.

Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering, recognized worldwide for excellence in engineering education, has cutting-edge technology to enhance its online offerings. All courses are offered according to the Virginia Tech school year schedule.

Written by Barbara Micale