Georgia Southern University's College of Business Administration online programs were ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best online programs for 2015.
        The MBA program ranked 18th, tied with Mississippi State University, for the Best MBA Programs for Online Students, while the college's Online Graduate Business Programs (Excluding MBA) ranked 21st.
U.S. News & World Report determined its rankings for the best online master's degree programs in business based upon admissions selectivity, reputation for excellence among peer institutions, and academic and career support services offered to students. Fewer than 200 schools are included in this year's Best Online MBA Programs ranking; thus, placing greater weight on reputation and admissions selectivity. And, fewer than 120 schools ranked among the Best Online Graduate Business Programs (Excluding MBA).
        "We are gratified by the recognition and believe it reflects the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students," stated Allen C. Amason, dean of the Georgia Southern College of Business. "We believe it also reflects the quality of our programs, the value of our degrees, and our commitment to providing a great education and a strong return to our stakeholders."
        In the past, U.S. News & World Report combined MBA programs and all other online business master's degree programs. This year, however, non-MBA business degrees, such as accounting and applied economics in Georgia Southern's case, were assessed separately.
        The rankings were split because prospective MBA students are likely to focus their research on schools that offer only MBAs, where many students researching discipline-specific degrees in other areas, such as accounting or economics, are doing so to further their careers. U.S. News felt separating MBA programs from other master's-level business programs would better serve students, allowing for more accurate comparisons.
        U.S. News ranked schools using the following five general categories: student engagement, admissions selectivity, peer reputation, faculty credentials and training, and student services and technology.
        The College of Business has undergraduate and graduate accreditation through AACSB International. Only about 5 percent of all colleges of business have AACSB accreditation.