Online Graduate Education Programs Ranked Top 10 in Tristate Area by U.S. News

U.S. News & World Report's national survey has recognized Seton Hall’s online graduate education programs as among the best in the nation and within the top 10 in the tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT).

For 2025, the programs within the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media ranked in the top 25 percent of all online graduate-level education programs in the U.S. They also earned the distinction of being third among all Catholic colleges and hold the same ranking overall in New Jersey.

"We are extremely proud that our online education programs have been recognized with this prestigious ranking, which is indicative of the vision, heart and hard work of our faculty, staff and students," said Dean Bryan Crable, Ph.D. “This further strengthens our College as the singular place for interdisciplinary engagement with some of the stickiest problems of our time, since these programs uniquely equip students to navigate the many, many contemporary challenges and opportunities in K-12 education.”

The College’s recently refreshed M.A.E. in Education Leadership, Management and Policy program builds upon Seton Hall’s history of preparing school leaders for New Jersey and the nation. In response to evolving primary and secondary school challenges, faculty reimagined coursework that increasingly equips students with a blend of theory and practice to effectively serve as leaders in today’s schools. 

The M.A. in School Counseling program prepares school counselors to maximize the potential of all students through comprehensive developmental school counseling programs, and develops skills as competent school counselors and effective consultants, collaborators, advocates and leaders in an ever-changing global society. Graduates of the program are able to empower students and their families to overcome educational difficulties through a multidisciplinary team intervention approach, and provide crisis intervention, disaster response and coping strategies to students and families in the school community.

The College also structured innovation into both programs, creating a mix of synchronous and asynchronous classes, and scheduling virtual meet ups so students can connect with their professors, academic advisors, as well as their classmates.

Seton Hall professors and advisors are highly focused on helping students succeed in acquiring new positions and advancing their careers after earning their graduate degrees. When choosing a graduate program, Kashon Lopes, Ed.S. '18/Ed.D. '24 — now a principal at Newark Public Schools — sought a university that would prepare him to be an effective administrator. "Seton Hall's history and reputation stay true to its mission of cultivating dynamic leaders," he said. "I have very fond memories of courses in educational law, school finance, and supervision and instruction. Plus, I was able to engage with diverse, rigorous content led by brilliant instructors."

Crable added, "The reputation of our graduate education programs is unparalleled in the state, and for good reason. Seton Hall alumni are in schools and districts across New Jersey, and our programs create the next generation of talented and resourceful counselors, principals, administrators and superintendents."

The College is an educator preparation provider (EPP) accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). In addition to CAEP accreditation for the unit, individual programs related to K-12 education are nationally recognized by their professional associations: social studies education (NCSS) and education leadership (NELP). The school counseling program works to follow the standards set forth by the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).

Categories: Education