February 2026
USU in Top 15 Percent Nationally for Outstanding Online Master’s of Education Programs
U.S. News and World Report is among the country’s most recognized leaders in educational rankings. In its newly released 2026 rankings of online Master’s in Education programs, the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services (CEHS) was ranked among the top 15 percent nationwide.
USU CEHS online Master’s degrees offered in education:
- Curriculum and Instruction, MEd and MS
- Curriculum and Instruction (MS)
- Master in Secondary Teaching (MST)
- Master in Elementary Teaching (MET)
- School Leadership (MEd and Certificate)
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff, the commitment of our students, and the quality of our online learning environments. Our School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) has intentionally designed online programs that are rigorous, engaging, and accessible to learners throughout the state of Utah and beyond. It is gratifying to see those efforts acknowledged on a national level. As we look ahead, we remain committed to meeting the evolving needs of educators and school leaders,” said Emma Eccles Jones Endowed Dean Al Smith.
The rankings follow a competitive screening process of more than 255 universities. Highly ranked programs have strong traditional academic foundations based on student-instructor access, graduation rates, and instructor credentials. They also excel at educating distance learners while offering robust career and financial support.
Research & News
Disability Advocacy Day Raises the Voices of Utahns With Disabilities
Disability Advocacy Day, an event at the Utah State Capitol held in late January 2026, brought together people with disabilities, their families, disability-related agencies, and legislators in a powerful reminder that Utah policies affect lives, and those affected have the power to speak out. Events included a legislative training by USU’s Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice, the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council, and the Utah Statewide Independent Living Council.
CEHS Announces New Dean’s Scholars
Endowed Dean Al Smith recently announced two new Dean’s Scholars for three-year appointments: Tyler Renshaw, professor in the Department of Psychology, and Jessica Shumway, associate professor in the School of Teacher Education and Leadership. Renshaw works primarily in the school psychology program, where he teaches graduate courses and serves as director of training for the Ph.D. specialty. Shumway conducts research on instructional practices and learning technologies that support children’s mathematical thinking.
Utah’s Future Teachers Excel in USU’s Early Childhood and Elementary Education Program
USU’s early childhood and elementary education program is preparing future teachers with an emphasis on extensive early classroom experience and evidence-based instruction in the science of reading, and students are thriving. In the 2024–25 academic year, USU students achieved an 89 percent pass rate on the Utah Foundations of Reading Assessment, an intensive exam required for teacher licensure in Utah. Even more impressive, 100 percent of its licensed graduates who are looking for jobs find work in the field.
Associate Psychology Professor Launches Podcast to Enhance Online Education
Jennifer Grewe, associate professor of psychology, has launched a new podcast, A Curious Learning Curve, focused on online instruction as part of her participation in the Dean’s Leadership Fellow Program in CEHS. Drawing on her decades of experience teaching online courses in the Psychology Department, Grewe interviews USU faculty to identify innovative approaches to improve student engagement and instructor presence in online classes.
Upcoming Events
Visiting Scholar Presentation
Adam Galovan, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Family Science, University of Alberta
Moving Beyond the Average: Person-Centered and Dynamic Methods and Designs for Studying People as They Are with Complex, Real-World Data
Thursday, March 19
1:30 p.m.
EDUC 130A & via Zoom (Contact Amber Summers-Graham to register.)
