Online Programs News and Events

U.S. News & World Report Ranks Metropolitan College Online Programs among Best in Nation

U.S. News & World Report has released its 2015 comparison of the nation’s Best Online Programs, and ranked the Boston University Metropolitan College (MET) Master of Criminal Justice program #2; the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems #3; and the master’s degree programs in management #9.

This is the publisher’s first-ever ranking of Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs, and MET’s fully online Master of Criminal Justice was among 55 graduate programs listed, tying for the number two spot with Arizona State University and Pace University, and preceded only by University of California—Irvine. Robert Morse, U.S. News & World Report’s chief data strategist, explained that the study of criminal justice was included because, “according to the National Center for Education Statistics and other sources, it is one of the most popular and fastest-growing disciplines on which U.S. News was not already collecting data.”

In a comparison of the Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs, MET’s fully online master’s in Computer Information Systems placed within the top three for the second year in a row out of the 42 schools listed, preceded only by the University of Southern California and Virginia Tech.

Out of the Best Online Graduate Business Programs, MET’s master’s degree programs in management—also fully online—tied for ninth with University of San Diego among the 127 listed schools.

Read the full press release.

Boston University’s Anatoly Temkin and Daniel Hillman Win Blackboard Catalyst Award

Boston, Mass. – July 15, 2014 – Dr. Anatoly Temkin, chair of computer science at Boston University’s Metropolitan College, and Dr. Daniel Hillman, senior instructional designer in the University’s office of Distance Education, were named winners of a Blackboard Catalyst Award for Exemplary Course Program, which recognizes faculty and course designers from schools, colleges and universities around the world who develop exciting and innovative courses that represent the very best in technology and learning. Not only was the course—Quantitative Methods for Information Systems, taught by Professor Temkin—chosen to receive an Exemplary Course Award, but it was also named a Directors’ Choice for Courses with Distinction, an honor awarded to a select group of courses that stand out even from other winning entries.

Part of the annual Blackboard Catalyst Awards program since 2000, the Blackboard Exemplary Course Program Award highlights technologically rich, engaging, well designed, and pedagogically sound courses that showcase best practices for the user community. Over 200 entries were evaluated in a rigorous peer-review process by more than 300 faculty and instructional designers. Submissions were judged on the following components: course design, interaction, collaboration, assessment and learner support.

The Blackboard Catalyst Awards program annually recognizes and honors innovation and excellence in the Blackboard global community of practice, where teachers and learners work every day to redefine what is possible when leveraging technology.

“It’s always gratifying to have colleagues say that you’ve made something special,” says Professor Temkin. “The course itself is a straightforward example of proven distance education practices with many opportunities for student interaction. Dan and I did extend Blackboard’s capabilities with some customized software, but the judges were particularly impressed by a human element of the course. We simply call every student to talk about how things are going. Obviously this takes time, but we think that it is important to form this connection, especially in math, where students are often intimidated by the material.”

“We built a lot of features where students get feedback and guidance through interaction with the content, the professor and facilitators, and each other—and we tried to make interacting with the course itself seamless and easy,” says Dr. Hillman. “Winning an award like this is actually humbling because when you describe the elements that make your course extraordinary, you’re reminded that they come about through the ideas and efforts of a multidisciplinary team.”

“It’s an honor each year to recognize forward-thinking educators who are helping create a world inspired to learn through the work they do every day,” said Jay Bhatt, Blackboard CEO. “We congratulate Catalyst Award winners on their vision and innovative approaches to education, and celebrate their accomplishments with them.”

Professor Temkin and Dr. Hillman of Boston University’s Metropolitan College were honored alongside other Blackboard Catalyst Award winners during BbWorld®, Blackboard’s annual user conference held in Las Vegas, Nev.

Blackboard is a global leader in enterprise technology and innovative solutions that improve the experience of millions of students and learners around the world every day. Blackboard’s solutions allow thousands of higher education, K-12, professional, corporate and government organizations to extend teaching and learning online.

Professor Temkin’s course, Quantitative Methods for Information Systems, is part of Metropolitan College’s online master’s degree program in Computer Information Systems, ranked #2 among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Information Technology Programs. For more information about Quantitative Methods for Information Systems, see our course listings.

View a complete list of Blackboard Catalyst Award winners.

Online MSCIS Concentration in Health Informatics Ranked #6

MET’s online degree concentration in Health Informatics—one of six concentrations offered through the College’s Master of Science in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS) program—was ranked #6 in “The 20 Best Online Master’s in Healthcare Informatics Degree Programs” by TheBestSchools.org. The rankings balance several weighted factors, including academic excellence, course offerings, accomplishment of faculty, return on investment, and reputation. Read more.

BU’s School of Social Work is winner of the USDLA Platinum Award in Best Practices in Distance Learning Programming

The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) presented the Boston University School of Social Work (SSW) with the Platinum Award in Best Practices in Distance Learning Programming. The USDLA, a nonprofit association founded in 1987 as the nation’s leading distance learning organization, announced its 2014 International Distance Learning Awards in conjunction with its 2014 National Conference in St. Louis, Missouri.

More information here.

MET Programs Place #2 and #8 in 2014 U.S. News Best Online Program Rankings

U.S. News & World Report has announced its 2014 rankings of Best Online Programs—and Metropolitan College has placed high in two key programs.

In a comparison of the Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs, MET’s fully online master’s in Computer Information Systems ranked #2 out of 34 programs listed, preceded only by the University of Southern California and tying with Virginia Tech.

Of the Best Online Graduate Business Programs, MET’s online master’s degree programs in management ranked #8 out of 239 programs listed.

Read more.

BU wins USDLA 2011 21st Century Best Practices Award

In conjunction with its 2011 National Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) presented Boston University with the 2011 International Distance Learning Award for 21st CenturyBest Practice. USDLA is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association, founded in 1987, as the nation’s leading distance learning organization. The association reaches 20,000 people globally with sponsors and members operating in and influencing 46% of the $913 billion dollar U.S. education and training market.

Read the full press release.