MC’s Online Accounting, Communications, Cybersecurity Master’s Programs Earn National Rankings
Mississippi College has been named one of the nation’s best schools for earning an online master’s degree, according to onlinemastersdegree.com, one of the foremost websites dedicated to graduate education resources.
In particular, OMD ranked MC’s online Master of Accountancy program as the third-best in the nation, while the Christian University’s online Master’s in Communications program drew a stellar No. 7 ranking and its online master’s program in cybersecurity received a sparkling No. 15 ranking.
Dr. Billy Morehead, MC professor of accountancy, said the top-tier rankings speak volumes about the quality of MC’s online master’s degree programs and their faculty.
“What an honor for our M.Acc. program, which was founded in 2018 and is in its fourth year,” Morehead said. “A national ranking is great for any institution and program. MC strives for quality programming and this independent national No. 3 ranking is a ‘mark of excellence’ for the quality education our students have access to here at Mississippi College.
“To rank No. 3 is a fantastic achievement for the M.Acc. and the MC School of Business.”
Using data from the U.S. Department of Education, OMD analyzed more than 7,700 schools nationwide, creating an algorithm to rank them in 70 different master’s degree subjects. Only schools that hold active regional accreditation and have both academic counseling and career placement services available to students qualified for inclusion in the rankings.
Primary ranking factors included availability of programs with an online component, number of programs in subject area, and metrics considering cost and the impact of institutional aid.
Morehead said the high national ranking will have a positive impact on MC’s online students and graduates.
“Ranking No. 3 will make prospective students stop and look at our program as they are searching online for programs,” he said. “It provides our graduates and current students the opportunity to be proud of their degree and Mississippi College.
“We have very successful graduates, both in areas of employment and passage rates on the CPA exam. Because of our small class sizes, each faculty member is able to focus on helping our students achieve their personal goals throughout their M.Acc. experience.”
One such proud graduate is Ariel Warren-Goss of Flowood, an accountant/auditor for the state of Mississippi. Accepted into MC’s M.B.A. program in 2015, she was unable to attend regular classes, but was dedicated to continuing her education. After learning of MC’s fully online M.Acc. program three years later, she immediately reapplied.
“I was elated to be presented with the opportunity that I had to do whatever it took to take advantage of an opportunity so great,” Warren-Goss said. “This further proves that God’s timing is perfect. Had I not waited a little longer to continue my education, I would have missed an even better opportunity that could help me to advance in my career.”
She said obtaining her M.Acc. from MC has benefited her substantially in her profession while working in state government.
“It has made me a more valuable asset amongst other accounting professionals,” she said. “The overall quality of the program is exceptional. I learned so much that I will continue to use throughout my accounting career.
“I would definitely recommend the program to others. This program can and will mold you into a well-rounded accountant and provide you with all the tools to succeed.”
MC’s Master of Accountancy program was the first online M.Acc. offered in the state of Mississippi. Morehead said the No. 3 ranking is strong validation that the M.Acc. faculty’s hard work is paying dividends.
“It’s exciting to hear from graduates about their career and family successes,” Morehead said. “To me, there’s no greater honor than helping build the accounting and auditing workforce of the future. We take our roles as faculty seriously.
“When our students are successful, so are we.”
Dr. Reid Vance, assistant professor and chair of the Department of Communication at MC, said the No. 7 national ranking earned by the online master’s degree program is indicative of the quality education communication students receive at the Christian University.
“We want students around the country and around the world to know they can receive a superior-quality master’s degree in communication under the direction of Christian faculty who are committed to challenging them while preparing them for success,” Vance said. “High rankings can attract highly qualified applicants to a graduate program. We would hope potential applicants will notice our standing and consider our master’s program based in part on this reputation.”
According to Dr. Melissa C. Wiggins, MC professor of engineering, computer science, and physics, the No. 15 ranking by onlinemastersdegrees.org will bring national recognition to the cybersecurity master's program.
"Our program is relatively young, so to be recognized so early speaks highly of the program," Wiggins said. "The quality of our program is a testament to how we are good stewards of the resources the Lord has afforded us. We have some great students and faculty and the curriculum is a unique blend of theoretical and practical aspects of cybersecurity.
"The faculty are recognized for their expertise and are members of regional and statewide groups dealing with computer science and cybersecurity."
Although the program is open to students with experience in computer science and information technology, she said prerequisite ramp-up courses are available for those lacking that educational background.
"We are very excited to be included in these rankings," she said. "We hope to continue to grow the program and our outreach and collaboration as well."
OMD is a free resource for adults seeking assistance in finding the best online master’s degrees. Its staff has worked in post-secondary education for almost two decades and on average connect more than a million student inquiries to colleges each year.
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