˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s online Master’s in Educational Leadership improved to No. 5 (tie), up nine spots from No. 14 in the 2025 rankings.

For the first time, Montclair also earned a ranking in the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs category at No. 56 (tie), reflecting the University’s growing portfolio of online undergraduate degree completion options which now includes Business Administration, Economics, Family Science and Human Development, Liberal Studies, Nursing RN to BSN and Psychology.

˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s online graduate business offerings were also recognized, with the University’s Best Online Master’s in Business Programs (non-MBA) ranked No. 53 (tie) nationally, an eight-spot increase from No. 61 in 2025. The ranking highlights the strength of ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s online Master of Science programs in Business Analytics, Digital Marketing Analytics, and Human Resource Analytics.

Additional 2026 ranked programs include:

• Best Online MBA Programs: No. 107 (tie)
• Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs: No. 62 (tie)

“ĚÇĐÄvlog makes everything around learning as simple as possible, from applying, to navigating coursework, to getting student support when questions come up,” says Marc Austin, vice provost and managing director, Montclair Unbound. “These U.S. News rankings reflect the work behind the scenes to deliver a high-quality online experience that’s engaging, well-supported and designed for student success. Students should be able to focus on the hard work of study; we streamline the rest.”

U.S. News & World Report program rankings are based on scores from five categories – student engagement, services and technologies, student excellence, faculty credentials and training, and opinions of academic experts across 1,800 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions.

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Prospective Student: Explore ĚÇĐÄvlog’s full range of programs, from fully online undergraduate degrees to online and low-residency master’s and doctoral offerings as well as career-advancing certificates and certifications.

Media Member: Contact the Media Relations team for further details or to schedule an interview.

The five University programs that participate in the survey include the master’s in Business Administration (MBA), master’s in Education, master’s in Information Technology, master’s in Business and master’s in Nursing.

Highlights from the 2025 Best Online Programs Rankings:

• ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program is ranked No. 14 in the nation and No. 1 in New Jersey. The education programs survey also ranked certain specialty areas, including Educational Administration and Supervision, in which the University also ranked at No. 13.
• ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s ranked at No. 100 in the nation. The program ranked at No. 61 in the nation, up 10 spots from 2024.
• The University’s Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Applied Information Technology (Professional Science Master’s) is ranked No. 50.
• The University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, launched in 2018, had another substantial increase, improving nearly 20 spots to No. 58 and ranked No. 2 in New Jersey.

U.S. News & World Report program rankings are based on scores from five categories – student engagement, services and technologies, student excellence, faculty credentials and training, and opinions of academic experts.

“We recognize that no two pathways to a degree are alike, and our educational options reflect that reality,” says Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Junius Gonzales. “These latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report are demonstrative of our efforts to be leaders in offering curricula that best serves the 21st-century student. We are honored to be ranked among some of the best online degree programs in the country.”

˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s Online Program Offerings

Montclair also offers several other online graduate degree and certificate options designed to equip working professionals with career-enhancing skills, including:

• A Master of Arts in Child Advocacy and Policy
• A low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Dance
• A Master of Arts in Social Research and Data Analysis
• A Master of Arts in Mathematics Education
• A Master of Science in Accounting
• A Master of Social Work
• Graduate certificate and certification programs in advocacy, business, education and technology for those who want to build out or update skills to enhance their careers.

For more information on all of ĚÇĐÄvlog’s online graduate programs, visit montclair.edu/online. Learn more about ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s rankings by visiting .

The five University programs that participate in the survey include the master’s in Business Administration (MBA), master’s in Education, master’s in Information Technology, master’s in Business and master’s in Nursing.

Highlights from the 2024 Best Online Programs Rankings:

• ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program is ranked No. 15 in the nation and No. 1 in New Jersey. The education programs survey also ranked certain specialty areas, including Educational Administration and Supervision, in which the University also ranked at No. 15.
• ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s ranked at No. 74 in the nation, up 11 spots from 2023, and ranked second in the state. The program ranked at No. 71 in the nation.
• The University’s Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Applied Information Technology (Professional Science Master’s) is ranked No. 47, the highest ranking the program has received since participating in the survey.
• In its second appearance in the rankings, the University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, launched in 2018, had a substantial increase, improving nearly 50 spots to No. 77 and is tied for second in New Jersey.

U.S. News & World Report program rankings are based on scores from five categories – student engagement, services and technologies, student excellence, faculty credentials and training, and opinions of academic experts.

“Our mission is to ensure students across disciplines can have access to affordable, high-quality educational options that meet them where they are,” says Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Junius Gonzales. “This latest recognition by U.S. News & World Report is a reflection of our efforts to ensure we are at the forefront of creating curricula and using educational technologies that serve graduates both now and in the future, and that support their 21st-century work and lives.”

˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s Online Offerings

Montclair also offers several other online graduate degree and certificate options designed to equip working professionals with career-enhancing skills, including:

• A Master of Science in Sustainability Science
• A Master of Arts in Child Advocacy and Policy
• A low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Dance
• A Master of Arts in Social Research and Analysis
• A Master of Arts in Teaching Middle Grades Mathematics
• A Master of Science in Accounting
• Graduate certificate and certification programs in advocacy, business, education and technology for those who want to build out or update their skills.

For more information on all of ĚÇĐÄvlog’s online graduate programs, visit . Learn more about ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s rankings by visiting .

As part of the School of Nursing’s observation of National Nurses Week and National Nurses Month, the University held a traditional pinning ceremony, a rite of passage held on May 5 that marks the transition from student nurse to professional nurse. The graduates celebrated with family, friends and faculty, a formal event that paid tribute to their journey.

“You have seen us grow, from being scared to wake a patient up for morning vitals, to administering meds with confidence,” DeRienzo, who served as student speaker, told the gathering.

The School of Nursing recognized the Class of 2023 with a formal pinning ceremony, a traditional rite of passage for graduating nurses. Celebrating their achievements, from left, are Aisha Shabbir, Aleida Smack, Jenna Khansa and Madison Lawton.

The American Nurses Association chose for 2023 the theme “You Make a Difference.” Faculty speaker Elsie Alabi-Gonzalez, herself a graduate of ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s nursing programs, tweaked the phrase, telling the nursing graduates, “You make the difference.”

“We encounter people at all stages of life. At any given time, there is a nurse watching as one individual takes their first breath, while another nurse watches someone take their last breath. In both instances and everything in between, our impact is felt,” Gonzalez said.

Last year, the School of Nursing held its pinning ceremony live on ±·µţ°ä’s The Today Show as part of the program’s Nurses Week. While this year’s ceremony wasn’t seen by millions, it was memorable for the family and friends of the 53 graduates of the Master of Science in Nursing, RN to BSN and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.

“Some of you have had your blood pressure taken more times than you would like to admit, or remember, and others have had to sit through physical assessments and patient education. You complain of a headache and now you have to play 20 questions with your student nurse,” Gonzalez joked.

Photo Gallery

Every graduate was presented with a stole adorned with the nursing pin. Yaakov Diner, who earned his Master of Science in Nursing, receives his pin from his wife, Tamara Leah Diner.

Sisters Melanie, left, and Jazmin Carvajal are overcome with emotions as they pinned each other. They earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.

David Mansaray, who earned his Master of Science in Nursing, is honored at the pinning ceremony by his daughter and cousin.

Clinical Specialist Elsie Alabi-Gonzalez delivers faculty remarks. She is a graduate of ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s nursing programs, earning degrees in the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing programs. “We have watched you all blossom from people who were hesitant to enter a patient’s room to nurses in training who create and implement a plan of care,” she told this year’s graduates.

Gianna DeRienzo, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and served as president of the Student Nurses Association, received the “Clinical Excellence Award” from Pre-licensure Nursing Director Elizabeth Zweighaft. Awards also went to Catherine Munkittrick and Helena Van Vliet for “Academic Excellence in Nursing.” Layan Rhazi and Aisha Shabbir for “Spirit of Nursing” and Melissa Fede for “Clinical Excellence.”

Graduates recite the International Council of Nurses Pledge, committing to uphold the ethical and professional standards of nursing.

Family, faculty and friends celebrated the graduates’ achievements. Yasmeen Salman, who earned the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, is photographed after the ceremony.

From L to R: Nursing faculty members Elsie Alabi-Gonzalez, Nastassia Davis, Harriet Sarkodie, Marnie Weiss, Courtney Reinisch, Sarah Kelly, Yanick Joseph, Rachel Lyons, Marybeth Duffy and Deb Brouwer.

A festival ending with balloons.

Three other online graduate programs offered by Montclair also placed among the nation’s best in the annual rankings.

Montclair State’s online program made its first appearance in the rankings at No. 38 in the nation, while the ranked No. 85.

The University’s Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Applied Information Technology (Professional Science Master’s) is ranked No. 53.

Also making its first appearance in the rankings, the University’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program ranked No. 124 in the nation in just its fifth year.

U.S. News program rankings are based on scores from five categories – student engagement, services and technologies, student excellence, faculty credentials and training, and opinions of academic experts.

“These recognitions by U.S. News & World Report are a testament to the dedication of our exceptional faculty and staff, as well as our continued commitment to providing high-quality online programs across disciplines,” says Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Junius Gonzales. “We are proud to offer a diverse learning environment that makes education accessible to all.”

Montclair also offers several other online graduate degree and certificate options designed to equip working professionals with career-enhancing skills.

The University’s Master of Science in Sustainability Science integrates industry-related coursework with opportunities for business and leadership skill development. ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s online Master of Science in Nursing prepares registered nurses (RNs) for advanced practice in administration, education and clinical research, and has recently been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

A fully online Master of Arts in Child Advocacy and Policy prepares professionals for career advancement, and the University’s low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Dance uniquely combines on-ground studio work with online theory and research. Other offerings include a Master of Arts in Social Research and Analysis, which trains students to harness the power of research and data to improve programs, change social policies and market a product, and a Master of Arts in Teaching Middle Grades Mathematics, designed to provide teachers with the fundamental principles underlying school mathematics while making practical connections to the classroom.

Online graduate certificate and certification programs in the field of advocacy, business, education and technology are also available for those who may already have an advanced degree but want to build out or update skills that can enhance their career goals.

For more information on all of ĚÇĐÄvlog’s online graduate programs, visit montclair.edu/online. Learn more about ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s rankings by visiting .

This year’s graduates of ĚÇĐÄvlog’s four-year bachelor’s in nursing program experienced a once-in-a-lifetime graduation moment on Wednesday, May 11: a special, live Pinning Ceremony on ±·µţ°ä’s as part of the program’s Nurses Week coverage.

The program’s 22 graduates, nursing faculty and Montclair President Jonathan Koppell appeared on the national broadcast, which is seen by more than three million people each morning.

Set against the backdrop of The Today Show Plaza in Rockefeller Center, the Red Hawks received their nursing pins in a ceremony befitting an extraordinary college experience – one that included them participating in the vaccine initiative – that took place amid a global pandemic.

But that wasn’t all the program had in store. As part of the event, students received special gifts including espresso machines and sneakers to wear on the job; and, to cap the unforgettable morning, event sponsor Johnson & Johnson honored the School of Nursing and its students with a $15,000 donation.

“Today was truly a special moment for our students, the School of Nursing, and for Montclair,” said Koppell. “This ceremony was a testament to all they have accomplished, and all they will continue to achieve as they enter the healthcare industry. We also want to thank Johnson & Johnson for their donation, and look forward to building a relationship that gives future nurses the opportunity to learn and thrive at our University.”

Graduating students from the BSN program at ĚÇĐÄvlog during the pinning ceremony at Rockefeller Plaza. Photo: Nathan Congleton.

“This is a dream come true”

As part of the broadcast, three members of the Class of 2022 – Aminata Coundoul, Carin Adler and Alexander Ng – were featured in a pre-ceremony story, shot on campus in the weeks leading up to the event.

In the piece, the trio shared why they wanted to pursue nursing, their chosen specialties after graduation and how the pandemic has brought them closer together as a class and only strengthened their determination to become nurses.

“To be part of something like this was incredible,” said Ng. “We have come so far as a class and been through so much together, we have become like a family. To share our story and show the world who we are and how far we have come, and do it on live TV in New York City, is a dream come true and an amazing experience I will never forget.”

“I could not be happier for our students, faculty and staff to have this moment on a national stage,” said School of Nursing Dean Janice Smolowitz. “What they have accomplished these past four years has been nothing short of remarkable. They deserve all of the accolades and attention they receive, and I have no doubt they will make an impact in the field from the minute they begin their careers.”

For more information on ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s School of Nursing, visit montclair.edu/nursing.

Hosts from The Today Show joined President Koppell and Dean Smolowitz on stage for the special Pinning Ceremony. Photo: Nathan Congleton.

Carin Adler, one of the students graduating from the BSN program, shakes hands with The Today Show host Hoda Kotb. Photo: Nathan Congleton.

Hoda Kotb joined her Today Show co-hosts and the University in congratulating the graduating students. Photo: Nathan Congleton.

Al Roker (in the hat) interviews a team from Johnson & Johnson about the donation they gave to the School of Nursing. Photo: Nathan Congleton.

Dean Janice Smolowitz led the students in reciting the International Council of Nurses’ Pledge. Photo: Nathan Congleton.

President Koppell commended the graduating nursing students for persevering through extraordinary circumstances to get their degrees. Photo: Nathan Congleton.

After reciting the International Council of Nurses’ Pledge, graduating students from the BSN program accepted pins from the School of Nursing faculty. Photo: Nathan Congleton.

Alexander Ng was one of three students profiled for the special segment that aired on The Today Show. Photo: Nathan Congleton.

Twenty-two students from the School of Nursing, including Aminata Coundoul, took part in the live pinning ceremony. Photo: Nathan Congleton.

The preeminent accrediting agency in the country for nursing programs, CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of nursing curricula through a rigorous self-examination process involving consumers, employers, students, faculty, staff and members of the University community.

Earning the designation positions ˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s School of Nursing – and its graduate students – at the forefront of the industry, and recognizes the program’s ability to prepare graduates to provide the highest quality of care.

“This accreditation provides our MSN graduates job market competitiveness and the ability to advance their education in nursing,” says Janice Smolowitz, Dean of the School of Nursing. “We are grateful for the input, feedback and contributions from members of the University community, as well as our partners in the local community. CCNE is often referred to as being the voice of academic nursing by ensuring program accountability to the community of interest, so we recognize the importance of receiving this recognition.”

˛Ń´Ç˛ÔłŮł¦±ô˛ąľ±°ů’s online MSN degree program is one of the most flexible and affordable in New Jersey, and prepares registered nurses for advanced practice in administration, education and clinical research.

Students enrolled in the online MSN program will be eligible to apply for advanced practice positions that advance their careers and pursue future opportunities through doctoral education. Graduates will also be prepared for administrative, educator and research roles in order to meet the needs of a changing health-care environment.

The MSN program offers three pathways to earning a graduate degree. In addition to the online MSN program, the online RN to MSN Bridge Program is designed for registered nurses who have a bachelor’s degree in another academic discipline. There is also a Pre-Licensure MSN program for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who wish to become an RN and pursue a graduate degree.

“In order to help solve the health-care industry’s most pressing challenges, nurses need affordable, accessible pathways to earn new credentials and expand their skill sets,” says Smolowitz. “Our graduate programs are designed to develop the next generation of leaders in the field.”

For more information on the Master of Science in Nursing program at ĚÇĐÄvlog, visit: montclair.edu/nursing/master-of-science-in-nursing

The Sodhani Family Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Somerset, NJ that was founded in 2000.

Ghandour currently works as a Nursing Assistant at Morristown Medical Center. His goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

When asked what this scholarship meant to him, Ghandour explained, “It has taught me that hard work never goes unnoticed! If you truly apply yourself and love what you do, you are able to achieve any goals you set for yourself.”

On a beautiful fall evening last night, with students in groups of twos and threes (all with masks) strolling across campus, Montclair State stole one more day from the coronavirus. In a small, but beautiful ceremony, graduates from the School of Nursing formally received their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees in the University’s Amphitheater.

The brilliant and wonderful School of Nursing faculty and staff were all out to celebrate with their graduates, and, in a wonderful innovation, each graduate was able to say a few words to the assembled guests as they crossed the platform. And what they said, each in their own way, was that this University had made an incredible difference in their lives. They were overflowing with gratitude for the support they had received, and the faculty were clearly genuinely proud of their students’ achievements.

As though on cue, the bells of the carillon rang from College Hall just as I said the closing words. Yesterday evening belonged to the students of Montclair State, not to the virus.

To see more photos, .

Lucero currently works as a Senior Nurse and Educator at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. He is an inductee to the International Honor Society of Nursing, Epsilon Rho Chapter. Lucero was also recognized for his dedication to PNANJ, where he serves as Assistant Treasurer and Membership Chair for their Essex County Subchapter.

His goal is to teach future nurses and increase student retention in nursing programs.

Lucero received support in his application for the scholarship award from various faculty members of the School of Nursing.

To learn more about the PNANJ, visit: