In a streak lasting nearly a decade, the University of Louisville (UofL) has once again received recognition from U.S. News & World Report in their highly regarded “Best Online Programs” rankings. The 2024 rankings re-affirm UofL’s fully online programs as some of the nation’s leading educational opportunities across multiple categories: 

• Best Online Bachelor’s 
• Best Online Bachelor’s in Business 
• Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology 
• Online Graduate Criminal Justice 
• Online Graduate Education 
• Online Graduate Engineering 
• Online Graduate Technology 

Notably, UofL’s online bachelor’s in business and bachelor’s in psychology have secured positions within the top 20 nationally, claiming the #17 and #11 spots, respectively. The university also stands out as a top choice for Veterans in many of the same categories. 

Kelvin Thompson, PhD, the Vice Provost for Online Strategy and Teaching Innovation at UofL’s Delphi Center for Teaching and Learning, emphasized the enduring significance of online learning, particularly in a post-pandemic society. He highlighted the intricate balance today’s students strike, managing careers, families, and various priorities while pursuing education. 

Thompson expressed, “ We continually strive to offer programs that maintain the esteemed quality associated with UofL while evolving to meet the complex needs of contemporary learners. Recognition from sources such as U.S. News & World Report encourages dialogue about how we at UofL can keep moving forward in meeting the diverse needs of our students.” 

In a bid to expand educational opportunities in the Greater Louisville area and beyond, UofL unveiled seven new online programs in 2024. These additions include four public health graduate certificates, an engineering graduate certificate in Six Sigma and a master’s in business analytics. With over 70 programs available completely online, the university aims to cater to the diverse needs of non-traditional students, including adult learners, working professionals, military personnel and degree completers. 

For those interested in exploring UofL’s online programs, the enrollment team can be reached at 502.852.8565, or visit louisville.edu/online for more information. 

Meet Nick Gowan! Nick is a UofL Online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning (BS OLL) student with a track-focus in Project Managment. We asked him some questions about his online BS OLL experience—let’s read his responses below!    

Why did you select the BS OLL program/Project Management track? 

I have always been a part of large projects, both individually and as a team, throughout the early parts of my career. I knew I wanted a future in capital project management, so this track aligned perfectly for what I was looking for to advance my career.   

What are you enjoying most about the program?  

The accelerated courses and the flexibility of the online format are great attributes of the OLL program. Although I prefer “in-person” courses, I work a very demanding, full-time schedule which makes the online format much easier to manage. And although this program is only online, the instructors are very flexible and they are always there when you need them—willing to meet via Teams whenever needed throughout the semester. They have been, as well as my advisor, incredible throughout my time in the OLL program. 

Do you feel the program is providing the skills you need to be successful in your career? 

I absolutely believe that the OLL program provides me with the necessary skills needed to be successful and allows me to continue to grow and advance my career. The courses that I have taken have proven to be very relevant to professional challenges that I see daily, whether it is related to Leadership, Project Management, Organizational Challenges, etc. Every course that I took in the OLL program allowed me to either reflect on past situations and analyze them or take what I have learned and apply it directly to my day-to-day professional situations. 

Would you recommend the program? Why?  

I would recommend this program to anyone (which I have). Especially to someone that is in a similar situation to myself when I entered the program. I went through a four-year tool and die apprenticeship after high school, which was full-time work and full-time school. During that four-year period, I knew I wanted more out of my career, so once I graduated as a Journeyman Tool Maker, I went back to school to complete an associate degree and started to plan for a bachelor’s degree. This is much harder to do once your career has started and you are working a very full and quite hectic schedule. My boss at the time, who is an alum of the OLL program, recommended the program to me and I have not looked back since. I intend to pursue an MBA after graduation with UofL’s Professional part-time MBA program. 

Where are you from?  

Taylorsville, KY.  

Where do you currently work, and what is your role?  

Diageo, as a Distillation Supervisor. 

Any closing thoughts?  

Being a UK fan my entire life, the OLL program and the OLL/UofL staff made the decision to enroll at UofL much easier than I ever could have imagined! As I continue to further my education with UofL in the OLL program and beyond, I genuinely feel that I have made connections and found resources that will last a lifetime.  

We are grateful to Nick for his thoughtful answers to our questions and for taking the time to share his experience with us! You can learn more about the BS OLL degree and Project Management track here.