ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton College advances within top 10 national rankings for online graduate programs

Reflecting the breadth and quality of its education offerings, Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation ranks among the top 10 overall — while also achieving Nos. 1 and 2 spots for discipline-specific programs — in U.S. News & World Report’s newly released 2026 best online graduate education programs rankings.

In addition to moving up one spot to No. 8 nationally for overall online education graduate programs, ahead of Indiana University, Purdue University and the University of Illinois, MLFC distinguishes itself through the depth of its programs, which include a No. 1 ranking in the area of educational/instructional media design programs, and No. 2 for its curriculum and instruction programs.

“Our approach to education, whether it is online or in person, is grounded in a commitment to human flourishing and an understanding of learner variability,” MLFC Dean Carole Basile said. “Whether graduates are working with young learners, leading schools and systems, or designing innovative learning environments, our programs prepare educators to thoughtfully integrate technology, pedagogy and human relationships to support meaningful learning across contexts.”

MLFC reaches more than 8,000 learners online each year, and the college partners closely with school districts, nonprofits and learning-focused organizations to expand access to high-quality educator preparation. 

In the most recent rankings, MLFC is in the top five in the following programmatic areas: 

• No. 1: educational/instructional media design — for its Master of Education in learning design and technologies — ahead of Penn State World Campus, Michigan State University and Purdue. 

• No. 2: curriculum and instruction — for its graduate educator-preparation programs, including those in special education, elementary education, early childhood education and secondary education — ahead of Michigan State, the University of Kansas and Texas A&M.

• No. 4: educational administration and supervision — for its Master of Education in educational leadership — ahead of the University of Virginia, Indiana and Texas A&M. 

• No. 4: special education — for its master’s degree programs in special education (autism spectrum disorders) and special education (applied behavior analysis) — ahead of Indiana, Penn State World Campus and the University of Missouri.

• No. 4: master’s in education programs for veterans, ahead of Purdue, Illinois and the University of Alabama.

As part of a comprehensive public university with a mission to provide accessible, affordable education pathways, MLFC reaches students in every state in the country through its online programs. 

The college has also expanded its online education collaborations with school districts and learning-focused organizations in Arizona and beyond. For example, Mesa Public Schools, which is Arizona’s largest school district, Scottsdale Unified School District and Kyrene School District are developing leadership-building cohorts in collaboration with MLFC to extend access to the college’s MEd in educational leadership (principalship) and EdD in leadership and innovation. 

Meanwhile, partnerships with national organizations such as ABLE Kids and Golden Steps ABA provide access to the college’s applied behavioral analysis programs to help support individuals with autism, ADHD, anxiety and other behavioral challenges. Learn more about ways to partner with MLFC.

In addition to the college’s online master’s degree rankings, Arizona State University earned a No. 6 ranking for its online bachelor's degree programs, including MLFC’s Bac Educational Studies, BAE program, which is a core part of the college’s work to support youth-serving organizations. Combined, these programs and others focused on professional development reflect MLFC’s role as a national leader in delivering high-quality, accessible programs that prepare educators and organizations to meet the evolving needs of learners and communities.