January 21, 2025
SIU’s business administration program among US News’ ‘Best Online Programs.’
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s online business and administration program has earned national recognition for excellence, earning a spot for the first time in US News & World Report’s 2025 Best Online Programs ranking, released today (January 21). SIU’s online business and administration program is in the top 25%, tied for #54.
“This ranking by US News is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, students and alumni, and we are proud to see our program recognized among the best in the nation. It also affirms that our online programs provide the flexibility and excellence our students need to succeed,” said Marc Morris, dean of the college. “While we celebrate this achievement, it is only the tip of the iceberg and demonstrates the longstanding commitment of college to innovation, academic excellence, and preparing students for leadership in a rapidly evolving world.”
Flexible formats
SIU’s online degree completion program of business and administration gives students who have already earned at least 60 credit hours of college-level courses the opportunity to earn their bachelor’s degree completely online in a flexible and suitable. The program, established in 2011, provides an opportunity for students who cannot complete their degrees on campus due to life circumstances or life/work commitments.
Students typically complete their degrees in six semesters over a two-year period, but have the option of enrolling full-time or part-time, taking fewer courses if necessary due to scheduling needs.
While typical on-campus students are aged 22 or younger, the average online student in the program is in the 27-34 age range. SIU welcomes students from all over the world, but specifically targets recruiting efforts in Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Florida, California, Texas and Tennessee, especially in the Nashville area where the alumni base is growing. Morris noted that the college also has “tremendous brand recognition” with friends and family of military students around the country in locations including Jacksonville, Florida; Delaware; Pensacola, Florida; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Denver, Colorado; and Bangor, Washington.
Comprehensive program
SIU’s College of Business and Analytics is accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and SIU’s online business and administration program is quite comprehensive, including finance, management, marketing and accounting components. The same experienced, high-caliber faculty who teach the on-campus courses teach most of the eight-week classes.
“Our professors don’t just teach — they mentor,” Morris said.
No matter where students are physically, they are not alone, Morris said. They have regular contact with faculty and staff, and have access to a wide variety of resources, including the Morris Library, the Writing Center, and even one-on-one tutoring.
The college also offers an online bachelor’s degree program in accounting, established in 2011. SIU’s School of Accountancy holds full membership in the Federation of Schools of Accountancy and has earned its own AACSB Accounting Accreditation, which is maintained by less than 1% of accounting programs.
“Many of our graduates go on to enroll in our online graduate programs,” Morris added.
SIU offers online Master of Business Administration, Master of Accounting and Master of Science in Business Analytics degree programs in addition to its on-campus programs.
For more information, visit the website, email cobaonline@siu.edu or call 618-453-7901.
