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2025 U.S. News Online Ranking: UNO Criminal Justice Programs Among the Nation’s Best

  • published: 2025/01/21
  • contact: Sam Peshek - Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu
University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) College of Business Administration student and Army veteran Kaylin “Katie” Plaza studies at her kitchen table. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.

UNO College of Business Administration student and Army veteran Kaylin “Katie” Plaza studies at her kitchen table. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) earned top spots in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs ranking, with two categories in the top 10 nationally.


🏆 The rankings:

  • #4: Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs for Veterans

  • #6: Overall Rank for Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs

  • #29: Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans

  • #41: Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs

  • #57: Overall Rank for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs


💡 Why it matters: UNO has been a pioneer in online education for over 25 years, prioritizing access and flexibility for students in Omaha and beyond. Along the way, UNO has expanded its offerings by launching dozens of online programs, adopting cutting-edge technology, and creating robust support systems to help students succeed.


🔎 Zoom in: UNO’s commitment to veterans goes beyond online education. In November, Military Times ranked UNO as the best public university for veterans in the nation. UNO trailed only University of the Incarnate Word – a private university in Texas – on the overall list.


🎤 What they’re saying:

  • Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA: “These rankings reflect UNO’s unwavering mission to make an exceptional, life-changing education accessible to all, especially our nation’s veterans. As a university deeply committed to public service, we are proud to offer programs that empower military-connected students to achieve their goals and transform their futures.”

  • Phil He, Ph.D., Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs: “These rankings underscore UNO’s university-wide commitment to flexibility and innovation. By meeting students where they are—whether online or on campus—we are creating life-changing opportunities for learners from all walks of life.”

  • Jaci Lindburg, Ph.D., Associate Vice Chancellor, Division of Innovative and Learning-Centric Initiatives: “Our success in these rankings is a direct result of the dedication and creativity of UNO’s faculty and staff. Their commitment to excellence and innovation in online education ensures that every student, no matter where they are, has access to the resources and support they need to thrive. For decades, UNO has been focused on increasing flexibility through online modalities while maintaining a high degree of student and faculty engagement and connectivity.”

  • Gaylene Armstrong, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Public Affairs and Community Service: “Our criminal justice faculty and staff are leaders in delivering cutting-edge, high-quality education that prepares students to excel in public safety and justice fields. Their innovation and dedication to online learning have set a national standard, and I am incredibly proud of their work to ensure our programs remain among the best in the country.”


🌎 The big picture: As a metropolitan university, high-quality online programs are a key strategy for reaching diverse learners across social, economic, and geographic spectrums. The access to higher education provided by these flexible programs bolsters workforce development and increases social mobility in Omaha, in Nebraska, and beyond.


⚡️ What’s next:

  • UNO’s Division of Innovative and Learning-Centric Initiatives (ILCI) continues to support faculty and programs across all six academic colleges in adding online options and in enhancing the quality of UNO’s distance education offerings. The division champions digital accessibility and builds professional development opportunities that foster high degrees of student and faculty engagement via technology.

  • ILCI also supports academic innovations that extend beyond traditional online learning, including exploring competency-based learning strategies, teaching and learning with artificial intelligence, developing standalone skills-based microcredentials, and offering free open access course materials.

  • Led by UNO’s dedicated and expert faculty, these innovations enhance the educational experience for all students at UNO, including those in online programs.


About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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