UA Little Rock Earns National Recognition in U.S. News 2026 Online Graduate Rankings
UA Little Rock’s online graduate criminal justice program ranked No. 38 nationally in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Graduate Programs rankings.
In the 2026 rankings, UA Little Rock also rose to No. 38 (tied) in Best Online Master’s in Information Technology Programs, up three spots from No. 41 the previous year.
These rankings highlight UA Little Rock’s commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible education to students nationwide.
“This ranking underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality online graduate education that’s both accessible and career-relevant,” said Dr. Elizabeth Pierce, associate professor and chair of the Department of Information Science. “We’re proud to represent Arkansas with a program that competes nationally, giving students in Little Rock and worldwide the skills they can apply immediately in the workplace and the foundation for long-term growth.”
The information technology ranking assesses online master’s degree programs in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, information systems, and information technology. For UA Little Rock, this ranking includes the online Master of Science in information quality and Master of Science in information science programs. UA Little Rock has earned a spot on the list for the past four years.
The online master’s 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’s 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 UA Little Rock’s Ph.D. in computer and information science.
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.
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.
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 UA Little Rock’s varied online education opportunities at ualr.edu/online.