The graduate and professional programs at the University of Georgia have been recognized as some of the best in the country, as indicated in the 2024 edition of the “Best Graduate Schools” by U.S. News and World Report. This year’s rankings showcase several UGA schools, programs, and specialties securing positions in the top 10.
According to S. Jack Hu, the senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, “UGA’s graduate and professional students benefit from a top-tier experience due to our esteemed faculty, innovative career development initiatives, and state-of-the-art research and instructional facilities. The exceptional rankings this year are a testament to the university’s ongoing investments in these critical areas of graduate and professional education across all disciplines.”
UGA has climbed to the fourth spot overall, marking a three-place advancement from the previous year. The School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) has also excelled, with three programs ranking in the top 5: leadership (No. 2), public finance (No. 3), and local government management (No. 5). Among public institutions, SPIA is tied for second place nationwide.
The [specific program] has surged to No. 15 nationally, a notable rise of nine positions from its previous ranking.
Furthermore, UGA’s [specific program] maintains its position at No. 20 in the nation and No. 7 among public institutions. Recently, it was recognized as [specific accolade] by The National Jurist, marking the fourth time in the last six years that the school has achieved this honor.
The [specific program] has ascended eight places to claim the 20th spot nationally and now ranks No. 10 among public institutions.
In addition, the [specific program] has progressed to No. 27, climbing four spots from 2023. The Terry College of Business is ranked No. 9 among public business schools, and the Financial Times recently acclaimed the University of Georgia’s full-time MBA program as [specific recognition].
The [specific program] has moved up one position from the previous year to secure the 30th spot nationally, with several of its programs earning positions in the top 10. Particularly noteworthy is the College of Education’s school counseling program, which is ranked No. 1 in the nation. Other programs that made it to the top 10 include curriculum and instruction (No. 8), elementary teacher education (No. 10), and secondary teacher education (No. 10).
The higher education administration program at [specific program] holds the seventh position in the nation, maintaining its streak of top 10 rankings since 2007.
These recent rankings from U.S. News and World Report align with the increasing demand for graduate and professional education at UGA.
Ron Walcott, the vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Graduate School, expressed, “As we enhance and broaden our graduate programs, we anticipate a greater impact on our graduate students, their respective fields, and their communities.”
The graduate rankings by U.S. News & World Report are distinct from the magazine’s annual undergraduate program rankings. These rankings are based on surveys of academic leaders and, for selected programs, additional quantitative metrics such as placement test scores, student-to-faculty ratios, research investments, and post-graduation employment rates.
It is important to note that U.S. News’ rankings cover only a fraction of the programs offered at UGA, and not all programs are ranked each year. UGA boasts an enrollment of over 10,000 graduate and professional students across more than 200 doctoral and master’s programs.
President Jere W. Morehead emphasized, “As the flagship institution in Georgia and a prominent public research university in the nation, UGA is dedicated to upholding excellence in graduate and professional education. Our exceptional graduate and professional programs are nurturing scholars and leaders who are instrumental in advancing UGA’s mission for the betterment of our state, nation, and the global community.”