The University of Delaware’s Online MBA program moved up an impressive nine spots to 20th in the nation, it was announced this week in the 2025 U.S. News and World Report Best Online Programs ranking.
The UD Online MBA program’s ranking is its highest ever by U.S. News and World Report, surpassing the No. 22 ranking in 2018. The ranking places the UD Online MBA program, administered by the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, among the top six percent of all accredited programs in the country and is the highest among schools in the greater Philadelphia area.
For the third straight year, UD’s Online MBA achieved a perfect score of 100 in the faculty credentials and training score, the maximum score a program can achieve for how well its instructors are prepared to teach online.
The Lerner College is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the highest standard of accreditation and a distinction that fewer than five percent of business schools worldwide have earned.
“Being ranked 20th among Online MBA programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report is a strong testament to the quality and impact of our program. In particular, our program is ranked No. 1 in the nation in terms of faculty credentials and training. This recognition highlights the dedication and excellence of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni, who are at the heart of Lerner’s success. Our Online MBA program continues to provide working professionals with a flexible, high-quality education that empowers them to achieve their goals in a dynamic business environment,” said Oliver Yao, dean of UD’s Lerner College.
The U.S. News 2025 Best Online MBA Programs evaluated the Online MBA programs using weighted scores in five categories: engagement (30%), peer assessment (25%), faculty credentials and training (15%), student excellence (15%) and services and technologies (15%).
“At Lerner, our graduate programs are designed with a student-centric approach that prioritizes both academic excellence and real-world applicability. We understand that successful graduate education must be responsive to the evolving dynamics of the business world which is why our curriculum is continuously shaped by the direct input of students and the emerging needs of various industries. The recent recognition by U.S. News & World Report for our Online MBA program is more than just an accolade – it is a meaningful validation of our strategic approach to graduate business education. This prestigious acknowledgment highlights our commitment to delivering high quality, flexible education that meets the complex demands of today’s professional landscape,” said Andrea Everard, associate dean for graduate programs.
“The success of our Online MBA program is a testament to the remarkable dedication and expertise of our faculty and staff. These professionals bring a wealth of academic knowledge and practical experience to the classroom creating a rich engaging learning environment that prepares students for leadership roles across diverse business sectors. Their tireless efforts in curriculum development, student support, and innovative teaching methodologies are the cornerstone of our program’s effectiveness and reputation.”
The UD Online MBA program features intensive seven-week terms, an advanced digital curriculum with robust interaction with faculty and peers and access to personal career coaching. The curriculum can be completed in as few as 12 months full-time, or students can study part-time at their convenience.
Core courses cover fundamental business and management topics in eight specializations: business analytics, digital and social media, finance, healthcare management, information technology, international business, public relations, and strategic leadership.
“I chose the Lerner College because the curriculum offers a comprehensive blend of theory and practical experience, which will equip me with the skills necessary to transition into the compliance field. Additionally, the College’s connections to industry professionals and its focus on real-world applications make it an ideal place for me to build a strong foundation for my new career path,” said Shakira Jackson, an Online MBA student expected to earn her degree in strategic management this year.
Five departments in the Lerner College (accounting and management information systems, business administration, economics, finance and hospitality and sport business management) contribute core and elective courses to the online program.