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UNO Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Named Top 5 Nationally by U.S. News

UNO climbs higher in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings landing No. 3 for veterans and No. 5 overall in the U.S.

  • published: 2026/01/27
  • contact: Sam Peshek - Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu
Exterior photo of the CPACS building at UNO.

The College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications

The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) online criminal justice master's program is among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.

➡️ What’s new: In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings, UNO earned:

  • No. 5 overall for Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs
  • No. 3 in the nation for Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs for Veterans

💡 Why it matters: UNO moved up in both categories one spot from the 2025 rankings.

🔎 Zoom in: UNO was recently listed among the top five public universities in the country for veterans. In November, Military Times ranked UNO No. 1 out of 357 universities nationally for traditional and online education.

🎤 What they’re saying:

  • Gaylene Armstrong, Ph.D., Dean, College of Public Affairs and Community Service: “These national rankings reflect the unwavering commitment our faculty and staff have to meeting students where they are in their educational journey. Whether you're continuing straight from an undergraduate program or returning to expand your skills for a leadership role, our goal is the same: to deliver an exceptional learning experience. We’re equally proud of our criminal justice alumni serving in Omaha and across the state and country who demonstrate every day the value of a UNO Criminal Justice education.”
  • Jaci Lindburg, Ph.D., Associate Vice Chancellor, Division of Innovative and Learning-Centric Initiatives: “UNO has been a national leader in online education for more than 25 years. These rankings reaffirm our commitment to designing high-quality, accessible programs that meet the needs of today’s learners. Whether our students are working professionals, active-duty service members, or first-generation college students, we’re proud to provide flexible pathways that help them reach their academic and career goals.”

⚡️ What’s next: Learn more about Criminal Justice programs and Online at UNO.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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