COLUMBIA - The University of Missouri's online degree program has climbed up 85 spots among the 337 online programs that offer degrees nationally. Now at No. 14, Missouriâs Online has risen due to the increase in teacher qualifications and technology accessible. Institutions across the country have aimed at improving their online courses offered. Much of Missouri Onlineâs success has come due to UM System Board of Curators members acknowledging this area as a place for growth. âWe really see some key contributing factors to that effort,â Matthew Gunkel, Chief Online Learning and Technology Officer, said. âSo again, like I said, continuing increases in course quality, faculty credentials in training, and increased instructional design services, and then just the overall continued increase of the support within the schools.â