Colorado Technical University (CTU) received high marks on the prestigious U.S. News & World Report lists for Best Online Programs for 2015. CTU was recognized for its online bachelor’s degree programs and placed 18th for master’s degrees in computer information technology and 22nd for master’s degrees for criminal justice.

This is the first year U.S. News & World Report included criminal justice programs in its ranking of master's degree programs, which previously only included programs in education, engineering and information technology, and nursing.

“We believe our online programs set the standard for modern education and feel privileged to be a part of the inaugural listing for criminal justice,” said Dr. Connie Johnson, provost and chief academic officer of Colorado Technical University. “There is nothing more telling of our commitment to online education than receiving recognition in the highly sought after U.S. News & World Report rankings.”

The Best Online Program rankings were based on four criteria, including: student engagement; faculty credentials; student services and available technologies; and peer reputation. Some programs were subject to additional criteria, which are outlined in the ranking methodology.

CTU’s mobile-responsive online classroom and adaptive learning system, intellipath™, not only make learning accessible, but tailor course content so students are able to master essential topics and unlock new opportunities to learn. Classes are taught by industry practitioners trained to deliver education in a virtual format. Many instructors have advanced degrees and significant experience working in their field.

CTU takes a hands-on approach to student service, with dedicated teams to support the unique needs of military students and career coaches who work one-on-one with students to advance their career goals. The relevance of the university’s curriculum is regularly updated by advisory boards comprised of recognized industry leaders and validated by programmatic accreditors and professional associations, which have designated CTU’s degree programs as satisfying established standards for education.

“These three rankings are a testament to the quality of CTU’s curriculum and our innovative learning technology,” said Andrew Hurst, university president of Colorado Technical University. “Our students include busy professionals and military service members who see the value and flexibility of online education. We’re proud to provide an academically rigorous education that continues to be recognized externally.”

Colorado Technical University has garnered accolades for its programs and innovation in learning technology. In 2014, CTU received a WCET Outstanding Work (WOW) award for use of its adaptive learning platform, intellipath™, to administer prerequisites for the online MBA program. CTU’s business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business School Programs (ACBSP) and CTU’s inclusion in the National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity was extended for years 2014–2019 by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Read more about CTU’s awards and accreditation.

About Colorado Technical University

Founded in 1965, Colorado Technical University (CTU) provides higher education to connect students to what matters most in reaching their professional goals. CTU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs taught by real-world faculty members who enrich the curriculum with their industry experience and prepare students for today’s challenges and the hard-hitting problems of tomorrow. CTU’s personalized, online learning system allows students to control what, where, when and how they learn. Students can learn and connect on campuses in Colorado Springs and Aurora (Denver), Colorado. With the help of faculty, industry professionals and more than 70,000 alumni, CTU students can also grow a powerful professional network to use their entire career. To learn more, visit www.coloradotech.edu.

CTU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org. CTU is also a member of the Career Education Corporation (NASDAQ:CECO) network of universities, colleges and schools. For more information visit www.careered.com. CTU cannot guarantee employment or salary. Find disclosures on graduation rates, student financial obligations and more at www.coloradotech.edu/disclosures.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is a multimedia publisher of news, consumer advice, rankings and analysis. Focusing on Education, Health, Personal Finance, Travel, Cars and News & Opinion, www.usnews.com has earned a reputation as the leading provider of consumer advice and analysis that helps its readers make informed life decisions. U.S. News & World Report's signature franchise includes its "Best" series of consumer advice guides and publications that include rankings of colleges, hospitals, mutual funds, cars and more.