In its 2025 rankings, U.S. News & World Report 41st in 鈥淏est Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs鈥� and 55th in 鈥淏est Online Master鈥檚 in Criminal Justice Programs.鈥� These rankings highlight the university鈥檚 commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible education to students worldwide.

The first ranking assesses online master鈥檚 degree programs in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, information systems, and information technology. For 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, this ranking includes the online Master of Science in information quality and Master of Science in information science programs. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has also earned a spot in this list for the past four years in a row.

The online master鈥檚 degree in information quality is a 33-hour program that can be completed in as little as 18 months. The program is designed to prepare students for industry and government careers as well as advanced doctoral studies. Developed with support from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Information Quality Program, the curriculum balances information quality theory with industry best practices using state-of-the-art technology.

The online master鈥檚 degree in information science is a 33-hour program designed to familiarize individuals with the advanced knowledge, skills, and technologies for working with large amounts of complex data. Students learn how to compete in an industry with an ever-present demand for new innovations in data science and analytics, advanced information systems design and development, and emerging information technologies. Both degrees serve as a stepping stone for other advanced graduate degrees, such as 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Ph.D. in computer and information science.

鈥淚nterest in the Master of Science in Information Science program has grown significantly in recent years,鈥� said Dr. Daniel Berleant, professor of information science and program coordinator. 鈥淏y offering courses in both in-person and online formats, we鈥檙e able to meet the needs of students here in Little Rock as well as working professionals and learners across the country. As higher education increasingly embraces online delivery, our program remains at the forefront of providing high-quality, affordable online education.鈥�

The School of Criminal Justice and Criminology (SCJC) offers an online Master of Science in Criminal Justice that equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to excel as practitioners and supervisors in the criminal justice system.

“The SCJC faculty and staff have worked hard to earn this ranking, which reflects a significant improvement from the 2024 rankings,鈥� said Dr. Michael Cavanaugh, SCJC director. 鈥淲e are committed to continuing to enhance the online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program to provide the best opportunities for students in our region.鈥�

SCJC has also been ranked 89th out of 683 colleges in the U.S. for criminal justice programs by Niche, placing it in the top 13% nationwide.

鈥淏eing ranked among the top programs in the country is an incredible accomplishment,鈥� Cavanaugh said. 鈥淲e are honored by this recognition and will work hard to meet the high expectations that come with it.鈥�

Cavanaugh credited much of the program鈥檚 teaching success to a mentoring initiative led by professors Molly Smith and Kilby Raptopoulos, which supports new faculty through peer mentorship, tutorials, and technical assistance.

鈥淢olly and Kilby have done a phenomenal job with this mentoring project,鈥� Cavanaugh said. 鈥淭heir dedication to fostering great teaching practices has made a significant impact on the quality of education we provide.鈥�

U.S. News & World Report evaluates programs based on data from institutional surveys and peer assessments. Rankings are determined by performance across five categories: student engagement, services and technologies, student excellence, faculty credentials and training, and expert opinions.

You can find out more about 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 diverse online education opportunities at /online/.

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Duaa Abu Halimeh, who holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in chemical engineering from her home country of Jordan, was unable to find a job that fit with her responsibilities as a mother to three active daughters. Seeking a fresh start, she decided to return to school to earn a master鈥檚 degree that would lead her to a fulfilling career.

鈥淭his journey has been difficult, but it鈥檚 the best thing I could do for myself and my family,鈥� Abu Halimeh said. 鈥淲hen you have a passion for education, you push through because you want purpose in your life.鈥�

While pursuing her master鈥檚 degree in information quality, Abu Halimeh worked as a research assistant at the Arkansas IDEA Data and Research Office, a partnership between 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and the state鈥檚 Office of Special Education. She also had a unique experience as a graduate student鈥攐ne of her professors was her husband, Dr. Ahmed Abu Halimeh, an associate professor of information science.

鈥淚t was sometimes strange to have my husband as my professor, but he was a great support to me during this journey,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y oldest daughter, who is 13, also helped me a lot, and we often did our homework together.鈥�

Six months ago, Abu Halimeh took a major step toward her ideal career by accepting a position as a research program manager in the College of Medicine鈥檚 Office of Research at the (糖心Vlog传媒MS). In her role, she works closely with faculty and staff to identify emerging research priorities, allocate resources, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards and best practices.

Following her graduation, Abu Halimeh plans to continue her career at 糖心Vlog传媒MS and hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in information quality, focusing on data governance.

鈥淚 am very proud to be a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock graduate,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 want to give a big thank you to all the faculty who are all amazing, especially Dr. Elizabeth Pierce, Dr. John Talburt, and my husband. I had a great experience, and I am so proud of earning my degree.鈥�

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The donation will create the Wang Graduate Assistantship Fund, which provides funding for graduate assistantships for students in one of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 information quality graduate programs in the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This includes the Master of Science in Information Quality program and the Information Quality Track of the Computer and Information Sciences Doctoral program.

鈥淚t has always been a tradition in my family to provide donations to help people,鈥� said Wang, founder and executive director of the Institute for Chief Data Officers at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. 鈥淚 happen to be a workaholic, and I feel that this donation to help graduate students is a good way to spend my money. Our graduate students work so hard, and they are very deserving of every opportunity that comes their way.鈥�

This significant contribution will pave the way for budding scholars to thrive as they pursue their studies, ensuring that the legacy of excellence in information quality continues to shine brightly. Wang’s dedication to empowering the next generation of information quality experts exemplifies the true spirit of mentorship and the enduring impact of a caring educator.

鈥淥ur graduate students learn valuable skills while becoming an excellent resource for the department,鈥� Wang said. 鈥淭hey assist professors with teaching and research projects. As teaching assistants, they learn how to help students complete their courses satisfactorily. As research assistants, they learn how to complete research projects for academia and industry partners.鈥�

Wang is a pioneer and leader in the research and practice of chief data officers and has put the term information quality on the intellectual map with myriad publications. He has been instrumental in the establishment of the Ph.D. and Master of Science in Information Quality degree programs at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, serving as a visiting university professor of information quality from 2005 to 2009 at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

In 2016, he founded the Institute for Chief Data Officers at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and he served as the state of Arkansas鈥檚 first chief data officer under former Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Just this year, he launched a comprehensive certification program for chief data officers. The 120-hour certification course covers data strategy, governance, curation, quality, monetization, valuation, and analytics.

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In its 2023 rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock 25th in 鈥淏est Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs鈥� and 32nd in 鈥淏est Online Undergraduate Business Programs.鈥�

U.S. News assessed schools based on a variety of factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, and services and technologies. Designed for individuals looking to complete or further their education, this year鈥檚 edition evaluates more than 1,800 online bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degree programs.

The first ranking assesses online master鈥檚 degree programs in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, information systems, and information technology. For 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, this ranking includes the online Master of Science in information quality and Master of Science in information science programs. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has also earned a spot in this list in 2020, 2021, and 2022 as well.

The online master鈥檚 degree in information quality is a 33-hour program that can be completed in as little as 18 months. The program is designed to prepare students for industry and government careers as well as advanced doctoral studies. Developed with support from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Information Quality Program, the curriculum balances information quality theory with industry best practices using state-of-the-art technology.

The online master鈥檚 degree in information science is a 33-hour program designed to familiarize individuals with the advanced knowledge, skills, and technologies for working with large amounts of complex data. Students learn how to compete in an industry with an ever-present demand for new innovations in data science and analytics, advanced information systems design and development, and emerging information technologies. Both degrees serve as a stepping stone for other advanced graduate degrees, such as 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Ph.D. in computer and information science.

鈥淚nterest in the Master of Science in information Science program has been increasing in recent years,鈥� said Dr. Daniel Berleant, professor of information science and program coordinator. 鈥淥ur courses are offered in both in-person and online sections. This way we can serve students here in Little Rock as well as working professionals and others all across the country. As the world of higher education adjusts to progressively increasing online services, our program continues to stay on the leading edge of online education quality and affordability.鈥�

Additionally, School of Business Director Robert Mitchell said 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s top business ranking is based on the school鈥檚 strong history of providing quality online education programs for its students.

鈥淭he School of Business online program has been available for over two decades, with our Management major as the first online program developed,鈥� Mitchell said. 鈥淲e currently offer many of our most in-demand undergraduate majors online, including Business Analytics, Business Information Systems, Accounting, and Marketing with the Finance major currently being added to our online offerings. Our faculty are well trained and experienced in online instruction with a strong track-record of student success.鈥�

You can find out more about 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 diverse online education opportunities at /online/.

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