UNLV online degree programs in nursing, psychology, engineering, and business continue to rank among the nation’s best, according to U.S. News & World Report. The publication’s latest annual online rankings were released on Jan. 27, and all four programs were listed within the top 60 in their discipline.
The School of Nursing’s online master’s degree programs collectively placed 22nd in the latest release and cracked the top ten in a new ranking of online nursing programs for military veterans, placing 9th. UNLV Nursing has earned a spot in the top 30 every year since U.S. News & World Report began rating online nursing degrees in 2012.
UNLV’s online bachelor’s degree in psychology ranked 25th for a second straight year, and the Lee Business School’s undergraduate programs ranked 60th.
Online master’s programs in engineering made the biggest jump in 2026, placing 44th in the latest rankings after appearing among a cluster of programs ranging from 85-109 last year. One of UNLV’s fastest-growing academic units, the College of Engineering offers a fully online master of science in materials and nuclear engineering and recently launched online and hybrid master’s degrees in cybersecurity in collaboration with the Lee Business School.
UNLV has created dozens of online degrees since 2022 and now has 46 fully online degree programs and offers more than 800 unique online courses each semester. These programs are complemented by a suite of online certificates that provide flexible and stackable options for people starting or shifting their careers.
“As Nevada’s largest public research university, UNLV is committed to offering high quality and accessible options for students at all stages of their academic and career journeys,” said UNLV interim president Chris Heavey. “Our continuing growth in online courses and degree programs reflects our focus on delivering high-impact and flexible learning opportunities that meet evolving workforce demands and move our mission forward.”
Interest in online degree programs at UNLV is at an all-time high. Last spring, UNLV launched a new online MBA program, and that was followed by five new online bachelor’s degree options in Fall 2025 in areas ranging from journalism and media studies to management, human services, creative practice, and cybersecurity. An online bachelor’s in information systems began this spring, and the university is exploring the potential for additional online programs in a range of disciplines, including business and hospitality.
Overall, UNLV ranked 125th – up seven places – for its online bachelor’s programs. The university also appeared in the top 100 for online bachelor’s degree options for student veterans, coming in at number 78.
Near the beginning of each year, U.S. News & World Report ranks online undergraduate and graduate programs on various criteria, including expert opinion and engagement, faculty credentials and expertise, services and technologies that allow for flexible distance learning, and resulting student excellence. The publication’s 2026 Best Online Programs rankings were released on Jan. 27.
