KINGSTON, R.I. – March 25, 2025 – The University of Rhode Island College of Business cracked the top 25 in the U.S. News & World Report rankings of the Best Online Master’s in Business Programs. URI’s Master of Science programs in healthcare management and supply chain management and applied analytics were a collective 24th in the country.
The methodology behind the ranking is cumulative and a combination of engagement between students and faculty, peer assessments, strength of faculty credentials, student excellence, and how the programs incorporate online learning and lessons outside of the classroom.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of our esteemed faculty and staff, whose unwavering commitment to academic rigor and student success continues to elevate our program,” says Yuwen Chen, a professor and the director of the master’s in healthcare management program. “Their passion for healthcare leadership and education has created a dynamic learning environment that empowers students to thrive.”
“We focus on creating a good environment for our students and focus on developing innovative learning opportunities through our collaboration with industry,” said Dara Schniederjans, a professor and the associate dean of graduate programs and research in the College of Business at URI.
Both master’s tracks are designed to equip students with the skills they’ll need to thrive in either the complex system that is healthcare to improve patient outcomes, or in the ever-evolving landscape that is supply chain.
The supply chain management program is considered a STEM-designated program. The U.S. government views programs like these as beneficial to students and U.S. companies. They tend to be more technically challenging and more quantitatively rigorous than other programs.
The program has also been recognized by the National Professional STEM Master’s Association which promotes combining advanced STEM coursework with essential business skills to help create more workforce-focused master’s degrees.
Chen and Schniederjans say that the impact of both URI online programs on students is significant, and that the lessons students learn from their professors stick with them when they move into their individual industries.
The healthcare management program is designed to give current and aspiring healthcare professionals the business acumen they need to excel in management, consultant and leadership roles across the healthcare industry. It was the first online master’s program that URI launched back in 2020.
“Within a few years of graduation many of our students have become leaders in their respective industries,” said Schniederjans. “That’s what I’m most proud of.”
“As we celebrate this milestone, we remain dedicated to advancing healthcare management education and shaping the future of healthcare leadership,” added Chen.