Four of Georgia Southern University’s online programs have landed on the 2014 Best Online Programs list published by U.S. News and World Report, according to a news release from GSU.

This is the third year in a row GSU has been recognized by U.S. News for having quality online classes, according to the release.

“Once again, Georgia Southern University is proud to be recognized for its top ranked programs,” Jean Bartels, Ph.D., Provost, said. “Faculty in all programs are recognized for their dedicated efforts to create and administer the best of online education to students both in state and beyond.”

The survey looks at areas including student engagement, student services and technology, faculty credentials and training, admissions selectivity and peer reputation, according to the release.

The rankings cover online bachelor’s degrees and online master’s degrees in engineering, nursing, education, computer information technology and business.

Only degree-granting programs offering courses that are exclusively online were considered for the rankings, according to U.S. News.

Deans from the recognized colleges are highly pleased with the rankings and attribute much of the success to the faculty and staff members.

“Our college is relentlessly pushing to create greater quality and value for our graduates, alumni and business partners,” Allen Amason, Ph.D., dean of the College of Business Administration, said. “This is the underlying value added that rankings are meant to reflect. So, we are gratified to see our hard work appreciated and having the impact that we desire.”

Thomas Koballa, Jr., Ph.D., dean of the College of Education, noted that GSU’s online courses allow students from around the state the chance to receive a great online education.

Koballa said, “We have a committed faculty trained to teach distance learners, and students from across the region and state know they will be engaged in a rigorous graduate program that furthers their career as an educator in many professional settings.”