COEHS program recognized as highest-ranked online teacher education program in the state

In the new edition of 2025 Best Online Programs, the College of Education and Human Sciences (COEHS) ranked 221 for Best Online Master's in Education Programs. Not only that, but U.S. News & World Report also noted that COEHS rose 56 places, continuing to be recognized as the highest-ranked online teacher education programs in the state.

UNM Online supports students through specialized advising and wayfinding to keep them on track, while providing personalized guidance for prospective online students. The team oversees online course scheduling to streamline registration and reduce barriers, supports faculty with teaching resources, manages compliance and state authorization, and works with academic units to improve course transparency-ensuring a high-quality, reliable online learning experience.

Laura Haniford, chairperson for the Department of Teacher Education, Education Leadership & Policy, said they have worked hard over time to ensure their faculty engage in training and professional development to support strong, effective online teaching.

"We are fortunate the state and UNM invested in our programs through the targeted hiring of 12 new faculty over the past several years. Our online courses are now predominantly taught by full-time faculty who are experts in their fields," Haniford said. "As the department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership and Policy, it is important that we model excellent teaching, and our faculty do just that."

Associate Dean of Research and Distance Education Carolyn Hushman said that the significant advancement in rankings reflect a faculty effort to enhance academic quality, broaden access, and align program design with the evolving needs of teachers and students in New Mexico.

"These programs are, once again, the highest-ranked online teacher education programs in the state and reflect faculty dedication to strengthening the educator workforce in ways that support culturally responsive pedagogy and advance educational equity," Hushman said.

COEHS Dean Kristopher Goodrich credits partnerships with UNM's branch campuses where a full range of teacher education programs are expanding access, strengthening the educator workforce, and supporting culturally responsive, community-engaged preparation.

"These results affirm the impact of a collaborative, statewide approach to teacher preparation - one that advances educational equity, supports workforce development, and extends the University's land-grant mission through high-quality online learning," Goodrich said.