CEHD Degree Offerings Continue Robust Performance in U.S. News & World Report Rankings of Best Online Graduate Education Programs
January 27, 2026
The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at George Mason University continues to earn national recognition for the strength of its online graduate education programs, according to the newly released 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings. CEHD ranked No. 50 nationally in the “Best Online Master’s in Education” category, reflecting the college’s continued focus on quality, relevance, and student success.
Commenting on today’s news, CEHD Dean Ingrid Guerra-López emphasized the college’s focus on meaningful preparation and applied impact. “These rankings reflect the strength of our academic programs and the seriousness with which we approach our work,” Guerra-López stated, “Our faculty are deeply engaged in preparing educators and leaders who are ready to navigate complexity, contribute meaningfully in practice, and meet the evolving needs of schools and communities.”
CEHD’s online graduate programs emphasize strong faculty mentorship, applied learning, and partnerships with school divisions, government agencies, and community organizations. These partnerships provide students with internship and practicum opportunities that connect theory to practice and support career readiness. “We design our programs with students’ real professional contexts in mind,” Guerra-López said. “Through mentorship and community-based partnerships, our students gain the experience and perspective they need to succeed in a rapidly changing education landscape.”
CEHD’s online master’s degree program in Special Education ranked No. 7 nationally in the category of “Best Online Master’s in Special Education”, marking the third consecutive year the program has placed among the nation’s top ten in this specialty. “The continued success of our Special Education program reflects scholarship that is closely connected to practice,” Guerra-López stated. “Our faculty focus on research and professional learning that support inclusive, effective instruction and meaningful outcomes for students with disabilities.” Special Education faculty apply evidence-based research to the development of practical strategies for inclusive classrooms and support in-service teachers through professional development and communities of practice.
Kelley Regan, professor and CEHD Special Education Division Director, offered her thoughts on the important work of the program. She stated, “We are thrilled to see our master’s in special education online programs receive top rankings again this year. This recognition highlights our dedicated faculty, who are committed to excellence in online course design and responsive to evolving professional standards. With exceptional staff to support these programs, we anticipate continued strong performance of our online master’s degree.”
CEHD also continues to be recognized in the rankings for its support of military veterans, many of whom return to school in preparation for a second career as an educator in K-12 schools. The graduate education program of CEHD is listed among the nation’s top twenty programs in the category of “Best Online Master’s in Education for Veterans” with a ranking of No. 18.
“Veterans bring valuable leadership and problem-solving experience to the field of education,” Guerra-López said. “Our online programs are designed to offer the flexibility, support, and applied learning opportunities that help veterans transition successfully into education careers.”
Veterans benefit from CEHD’s inclusive learning environment, advising support, and access to experiential learning opportunities, as well as George Mason University’s standing as an R1 research institution.