NE Valley Times

Arizona State University issued the following announcement on Sept. 21.

For the seventh year in a row, Arizona State University has been named No. 1 among the nation's most innovative universities by U.S. News & World Report. ASU has earned the top spot every year - ranking ahead of schools like MIT and Stanford - since the inception of the category in 2014.

The university has a culture of innovation that is embedded in all aspects of its community. From curriculum innovation, prominent faculty, a diverse student community, state-of-the-art technology and extensive student support services, ASU embodies a forward-thinking mindset.

“Innovation is required to solve one of the most critical problems we face as a country: Unequal access to and achievement in higher education,” Phil Reiger, University Dean for Educational Initiatives and CEO of EdPlus at Arizona State University, said. “That’s why ASU Online has had a single focus for over a decade: Providing students the best programs, taught by the best faculty, with the best support. If we can deliver on that agenda using our advanced curricula and distinguished faculty, we will greatly enhance our learners’ upward social mobility, and we will have created opportunities for individuals across the world. I’m excited for what comes next."

In 2021, ASU launched more than 40 new online degree programs across several disciplines, including more than 25 in STEM-related fields, adding to the more than 200 online degrees currently available.  Of these, several are the first of their kind in the online learning space while others are among the few offered in the nation.

• Architecture (MArch) is one of five online programs in the US and the most recognized. It is NAAB accredited and can lead to licensure in the US.
• Biological Sciences (Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology), BS has the only concentration of its kind at ASU, which combines the study of three essential areas of life science: genetics, cell and developmental biology.
• The Neuroscience (BS) degree examines the functions of the brain and nervous system in relation to behavior, emotion and consciousness using cutting-edge research while building strong foundations in biology, engineering, mathematics and psychology.
• The Special Education (MEd), Elementary Education (MEd) and Secondary Education (MEd) teacher-certification programs provide students more versatility in choosing their career path by offering a dual certification route within a single program. These programs are also designed to prepare students to apply for applicable certification in Arizona.

The universities recognized in the innovation category were nominated by college presidents, provosts and admissions deans from across the country. Schools are chosen based on making the most innovative improvements toward curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology and facilities.

ASU, historically, has pushed the boundaries and disrupted the higher education landscape by reshaping what education should look like, how it’s accessed and how students are empowered to succeed.

Original source can be found here.