Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) has garnered 10 top-50 rankings in the recently updated U.S. News & World Report graduate program rankings, expanding the institution’s total recognitions by the publication to 22, encompassing online graduate programs as well.
Among VCU’s latest rankings, six programs secured positions in the top 25 of their respective categories, with two programs, [ppp1] and [ppp2], achieving top 10 placements. Furthermore, two schools, [ppp3] and [ppp4], attained overall top 25 rankings. It is important to note that not all program areas receive annual updates in rankings.
Fotis Sotiropoulos, Ph.D., the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, expressed, “These updated rankings serve as further validation of VCU’s rise among the nation’s most influential and impactful universities. The remarkable dedication of VCU’s faculty members and our unwavering commitment to excellence, impact, and accessibility are propelling VCU’s progress. Congratulations to all involved in the twelve graduate programs that have advanced into and up the top 50 national rankings; your contributions are truly inspiring across our campuses.”
The School of Education achieved two top 25 rankings, including in the overall Education category (tied for No. 25) and the [ppp5] category (tied for No. 19). Kathleen Rudasill, Ph.D., the interim dean of the VCU School of Education, highlighted that the overall ranking positions the school in the top 5.5% among the 456 schools surveyed in that category.
Rudasill emphasized, “Our research accomplishments are particularly noteworthy. We have attained and maintained the top spot in Virginia and No. 9 nationally in terms of funded research expenditure per faculty member. With \(975,000 in research funding per faculty member reported, and a record-high \)40.1 million in external funding generated in FY23, our students have increased opportunities to engage in impactful research within our communities, gaining valuable real-world experiences to equip them for the future.”
The VCU College of Health Professions received updated top 50 rankings in three categories, with Nurse Anesthesia (No. 6), [ppp6] tied for No. 14, and [ppp7] tied for No. 29.
Paula Song, Ph.D., the interim dean and Richard M. Bracken Chair of the College of Health Professions, remarked, “At the VCU College of Health Professions, we provide an exceptional educational environment for students preparing to assume pivotal roles in the healthcare sector. Our departments and programs champion academic excellence through teaching, research, diversity, and innovation, all under one roof. With five programs consistently ranked among the nation’s top, three of which are positioned in the top 10 by U.S. News & World Report, the VCU College of Health Professions stands out for its excellence.”
The School of Pharmacy advanced from No. 20 to a tie for No. 19 in the latest rankings, underscoring the institution’s longstanding leadership in pharmacy education and its commitment to student success.
K.C. Ogbonna, Pharm.D., the Arthur O. McCalley Chair and dean of the School of Pharmacy, stated, “Our school has a strong track record of excellence in pharmacy education, as evidenced by our consistently high graduation rates, job placement, and board pass rates for students. This ranking reaffirms our ongoing dedication to supporting our students in achieving their goals and honing their skills as the next generation of clinicians and scientists poised to revolutionize healthcare delivery.”
Moreover, the Wilder School secured three top-50 updated rankings, including Homeland Security (No. 6), Public Management and Leadership (tied for No. 33), and Public Affairs (tied for No. 39).
Susan T. Gooden, Ph.D., the dean of the Wilder School, expressed pride in the school’s achievements, stating, “I am immensely proud to announce that the Wilder School has once again showcased its commitment to academic excellence and innovation in the realm of public affairs. For the first time in our history, we have been recognized as the sixth-ranked institution in the nation for Homeland Security. This significant milestone underscores our school’s substantial contributions to this vital field of study and practice. Additionally, our consistent presence in the top 40 national rankings for schools of public affairs over the past six years underscores our position as a pioneering institution. As Virginia’s premier school for these disciplines, our steadfast dedication to shaping the future of public service and leadership remains unwavering.”
Additionally, the [ppp8] achieved a tie for No. 28 in the Social Work programs category.
These new rankings represent the latest accolades bestowed upon VCU by U.S. News & World Report. In 2022, VCU was recognized among the [ppp9]. Furthermore, in September 2023, VCU was acknowledged as one of the [ppp10] in the U.S. For further details on VCU’s rankings, please visit [ppp11].
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