The C. T. Bauer College of Business has jumped several spots in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Online Business Masters list released this week.
The ranking puts the college’s online Master of Science (MS) programs at No. 42 (tied) among public institutions and No. 59 overall, representing an improvement from last year’s list (No. 46 among public schools and No. 66 overall).
“We always say that we do not chase the rankings, but instead if we pursue quality, excellence and student success, the rankings will follow,” Graduate & Professional Programs (GPP) Associate Dean Leiser Silva said. “This is the result of the relentless hard work of our faculty, staff and Office of Digital Learning, who have set up the necessary infrastructure for our online master’s students.”
Included in this year’s ranking, Bauer earned its best peer assessment and student excellence rank in the last 5 years. The college ranked 26 overall in peer assessment and 43 in student excellence.
Bauer has laid an excellent foundation that bodes well for the continual rise of online education, said Dean Xianjun Geng.
“This ranking demonstrates Bauer’s commitment to continued innovation that meets the changing educational needs by combining flexibility with the rigor of our program,” he said.
Monico “Nico” Villapando is a working professional, veteran, parent and dual degree student at Bauer where he is earning his online MBA and online MS Management & Leadership. The professors and veteran services team that he’s worked with have been extremely helpful and accommodating to his needs while earning his degrees, he said.
“Bauer has helped me accomplish my goals while not sacrificing too much time away from my responsibilities,” Villapando added.
Julia Garza is a University of Houston alumna who returned to her alma mater as a Student & Young Alumni Program Manager, UH Hispanic Alumni Network board member and now Bauer MS Marketing candidate.
“What I love most about Bauer is the supportive environment and how applicable the coursework is to real life,” Garza said. “I’ve been able to take what I learn in class and use it right away in my job, which has made the experience both meaningful and motivating.”
Learn more about the online master’s programs Bauer has to offer here.
