Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s overall online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, along with IUP online programs in interior design, food and nutrition, and criminology, have been recognized as the best in the nation by Intelligent.com.
IUP’s undergraduate and graduate online programs are ranked in the top 40 for all colleges and universities in the nation; the interior design program is ranked in the top 25 in the nation; the online master’s degrees in food and nutrition and dietitian-nutritionist are ranked in the top 30 in the nation; and the online master’s degree in criminology is ranked in the top 40 programs in the nation.
More than 3,000 colleges and universities in the United States were considered for inclusion in the rankings. Each university and program was evaluated based on academic quality, graduation rate, cost and return on investment (post-graduation success of graduates), and student resources.
IUP offers almost 160 academic degree programs, including more than 50 graduate programs. In addition, students can complete more than 65 minors—including a unique teamwork minor—and scores of specialized tracks and certificate programs, including certificates in athletic coaching, preschool education, geospatial intelligence, unmanned aerial systems (drones), photography and digital imaging, popular music, and public history.
IUP has a longstanding commitment to research on all levels and in all disciplines. In 2021, IUP was selected as one of only two public universities in Pennsylvania and one of only 93 public universities in the United States selected for the “High Research Activity” designation by the American Council on Education.
In November, IUP opened its $90-million, state-of-the-art science and mathematics classroom building, John and Char Kopchick Hall, designed to serve as the hub of activity for all things science and mathematics at IUP. IUP is committed to being a fully student-centered university, launching its Student Success Infrastructure in fall 2023, which includes a navigator for every student and data-driven proactive intervention.
IUP is routinely recognized nationally for excellence by independent publications, including U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Colleges Ranking; the Wall Street Journal and College Pulse’s America’s Best Colleges 2024; The Princeton Review’s “2024 Best Colleges” guidebook, College Magazine’s top 10 colleges and universities in Pennsylvania; Washington Monthly’s national ranking of universities based on contributions to society; Forbes Magazine’s “America’s Top Colleges,” and as the number two most affordable college in Pennsylvania by Academic Influence.
IUP’s 36-credit Master of Science in Food and Nutrition program is designed to provide advanced training in food and nutrition through both coursework and research. This program prepares students for food- and nutrition-related careers or to complement their existing occupations by increasing the depth of their knowledge with respect to food and nutrition, developing research skills, and enhancing their application skills by specializing in the area of applied human nutrition.
Students may choose either the thesis or non-thesis option and may also opt to select a specialization track in education or the dietitian-nutritionist program. Students can secure early admission to the master’s program during their undergraduate program.
IUP is the only public university in Pennsylvania to offer an interior design bachelor’s degree. Students in the program gain experience by participating in trade shows, visiting historic sites, and gaining technical skills in industry-standard computer programs across all facets of interior design.
Upon graduation, students have completed a professional digital and tactile portfolio through the requirement of producing portfolio-worthy projects in classes. IUP’s interior design program has two active professional student organizations: the American Society of Interior Designers and the National Kitchen and Bath Association, and students have the chance to network with a professional advisory board of active professional interior designers and architects.
IUP’s online master’s program in criminology, offered through the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, combines practical instruction with electives focused on historical and contemporary criminal justice issues. With its fully online option, the program is designed to meet the needs of the working professional; the degree can be completed in one year and students have the option of a thesis or non-thesis track. The program offers an early admission option for qualified high school students while applying for the criminology bachelor’s degree. The Criminology Graduate Student Organization offers networking opportunities and support to graduate students in the program.