Madison Reporter

University of Wisconsin-Madison has its commitment to individual learning experiences to thank for a high ranking announced earlier this week of its online master’s degree in engineering program, a UW dean said.

UW–Madison was ranked No. 9 in the nation for 2022 by U.S. News & World Report, according to a university news release issued Tuesday, Feb. 1. For the 11th year in a row, UW–Madison's online engineering programs offered through the College of Engineering's Interdisciplinary Professional Programs were highly ranked in a nationwide competitive field of engineering and online programs.

The effort behind that high ranking will continue, Ed Borbely, associate dean for engineering professional development in UW-Madison's College of Engineering, said in the news release.

"In a time of very large-scale online education programs in engineering, technology and management, we're committed to fostering an outstanding experience and relationships with each individual learner," Borbely said. "Our active learning programs will continue to provide depth and breadth across engineering and management disciplines and an inclusive community of learners and achievers who are there for each other throughout their careers."

U.S. News noted that the University of Wisconsin ranked in online master's degree options that offered eight different paths, tying in each.

The University of Wisconsin ranked No. 7 for best online master's degrees in engineering programs for veterans, civil engineering and industrial engineering. The university also ranked No. 9 in best online master's programs in engineering and engineering management. The university also ranked No. 11 in best online master's program in mechanical engineering, No. 14 in best online master's program in electrical engineering and No. 147 in best online master's program in education.

This year's rankings were based on strong student engagement, robust student support and program excellence. Among other things, U.S. News' methodology included looking at an online college's delivery of bachelor's, graduate business and nursing degrees, as well as MBA and veterans program rankings.

U.S. News also considered programs created specifically for online delivery, which has made a difference during the still ongoing pandemic.

At least one UW–Madison graduate has noticed the high quality program offered by the College of Engineering.

"I've recommended this program to many different colleagues," Payton Gunderson, a recent alumna of UW–Madison's Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program, said in the news release. "The professors in the entire program care about the success of their students, and the content is incredibly enriching. The MEM program has helped me grow as a leader and has made me a more informed, well-rounded person. I have nothing but positive things to say about this program."