Bellevue University Tops U.S. News Ranking of Online Teaching and Student Engagement

BELLEVUE, Neb., Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Bellevue University is ranked number one by the U.S. News 2012 Top Online Education Program Rankings in the categories of teaching practices and student engagement. The report, which focuses on online bachelor's degree programs, ranked Bellevue University number one for its excellence in not only teaching online students but engaging them to succeed. The report also awarded the University high marks for making high-quality services and technology available to online students. Bellevue University has educated students online for over 15 years, and was one of the first institutions to offer an MBA completely online. Nearly 1000 schools participated in the study.

"We were an early entrant to online learning and this ranking validates 15 years of perfecting the best possible online learning environment for our students," said Dr. Mary B. Hawkins, president of Bellevue University. "The quality of our online bachelor's degree programs is driven by the passion and commitment of our faculty members who are dedicated to student learning and achievement. Ultimately our instructors have honed the skills necessary to truly engage students from a distance."

The ranking specifies the University's ability to promote student participation in online classes, allowing them opportunities to readily interact with their instructors and fellow classmates.

"Student engagement is the centerpiece of our mission," said Dr. Hawkins. "Our students expect and appreciate the flexibility of online learning yet they are often surprised at the high level of collaboration with their fellow online students and the accessibility of their instructors. Our faculty continuously re-envision the courses to serve the needs of online students and build the curricula to meet those needs. The entire University is committed to offering quality online degree programs that engage students and accurately measure their success."

Bellevue University's award-winning online classroom offers a seamless learning experience, and the University's library provides complete access to extensive research materials from anywhere in the world, anytime. The University is proud to be a leader in distance learning by offering students the opportunity to earn an accredited degree online in a flexible and supportive environment.

Bellevue University is a recognized national leader in providing post-secondary education opportunities for working adults. A private, non-profit institution, Bellevue University serves students at learning sites in three states, as well as worldwide through its award-winning online learning platform. Bellevue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, visit www.bellevue.edu.

SOURCE Bellevue University