EMU Today

YPSILANTI – The Eastern Michigan University College of Education has been ranked among the best in the state in U.S. News & World Report’s annual listings of the country’s top graduate programs in education.

Eastern ranked fourth in the state, trailing only the University of Michigan and Michigan State, which ranked in the top 25 nationally, while ranking nearly alongside Western Michigan in the prestigious annual graduate school report. Eastern was in the top 150 colleges nationally.

“This recognition highlights the excellence of our faculty and our academic programs,” said Micheal Sayler, dean of the College of Education. “Our graduate programs offer rigorous and flexible training that helps propel professionals farther along in their careers. We continue to evolve and adapt according to the changing educational landscape in Michigan and nationally, and this ranking underscores our success in serving the varied needs of today’s graduate students. Many of our graduate degrees are available as 100 percent online programs.”

The rankings, which were released this week, are the latest among a variety of honors accorded to the graduate programs in the EMU College of Education.

For example, the COE recently ranked highest in the state of Michigan and 20th in the country for its online master’s program in K-12 educational leadership, according to BestColleges.com.

BestColleges.com, a database resource for prospective college students, reviewed similar programs around the county and ranked EMU as one of the best online programs for its academic quality and student satisfaction.

The online master’s of arts in educational leadership was designed for working education professionals who seek more flexibility than a traditional on-campus program can provide.

"We are very proud in the top rating of our online masters in educational leadership curriculum and this program has a long history of producing exceptional educational leaders," Sayler noted. "The current accelerated-carousel method of delivery makes this program even more attractive for working educational professionals. We are adding online degrees in early childhood, curriculum, and all areas of special education."

The program follows the same academic standards as the on-campus degree. The curriculum is delivered via Canvas or eCollege (EMU's online learning management systems) and taught by on-campus instructors. Students have access to 24/7 tech support, as well as numerous additional multimedia resources designed to enhance the virtual classroom. The online program is also available in a hybrid format, which includes weeknights and weekends on campus and at three off campus locations.

Four major content areas make up the educational leadership curriculum: leadership, research, professionalism and management competency/proficiency. Further development in the areas of human relations, diversity and technology are emphasized.

Eastern also recently ranked among the top 50 universities in the country as a "Best Value for Residential Master's of Education," with no other Michigan universities making the top 50.

"Top Masters in Education" is a resource for career educators looking to enhance their educational foundation. The full list of rankings listed Eastern as No. 31 in the country.

 “Eastern Michigan University is highly regarded for its development of effective and qualified school personnel,” Eastern’s listing reads. “The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees and has embraced the hybrid model that has become very popular throughout the United States.”

Sayler said, “Our master’s degrees are an excellent route to professionalizing an educator’s skill set and knowledge. The courses and interactions with University faculty provide a way for educators to extend and refine their initial preparation through the lens of their classroom experience, under the guidance of expert faculty. Eastern is great at this.”

About the College of Education

Founded in 1849 as the first "normal school" west of the Alleghenies, Eastern Michigan University is one of the largest producers of educational personnel in the country. The College of Education at EMU provides outstanding leadership in education. Its graduates are highly sought by school districts and other employers, and its alumni have achieved many recognitions and positions of prominence.

The College offers a comprehensive range of programs—bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees (many with online and off-campus options)—and extensive non-degree and certification learning experiences. All professional education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). Many programs hold an additional national recognition. College of Education Departments include teacher education, special education, and leadership & counseling.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 19,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.