U.S. News Ranks Several Graduate Programs Among Top Tier in Nation

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Many graduate programs at the University of Arkansas ranked well in the 2017 edition of U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools with the Master of Business Administration program, the law program and the rehabilitation counseling program continuing to rate highly in the annual list.

The rehabilitation program consistently appears in the publication’s top 20, and the No. 13 position matches the program’s best-ever ranking. Brent Thomas Williams, faculty coordinator of the program, is the principal investigator of the Arkansas PROMISE program. The PROMISE program is funded by a $35.7 million in federal grants that provide paid work experiences to Arkansas teenagers with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income.

U.S. News does not issue new rankings every year for all graduate programs. For example, none of the programs in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences or the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences were evaluated as part of this year’s report. Rehabilitation counseling programs were last ranked in 2015.

The U of A’s business and law schools ranked highly in their respective categories of U.S. News. Rankings are determined by such measures as quality assessment determined by surveying officials at higher education institutions, student selectivity, faculty resources, research activity and placement success.

“We are proud that several of our graduate programs continue to rank well among other public institutions,” said Chancellor Joseph Steinmetz. “These rankings, paired with our distinction of being rated among the highest research classifications by the Carnegie Foundation, is a testament to the excellence of our graduate faculty, staff and students. We look forward to continuing to enhance our graduate programs.”

Kim Needy, dean of the Graduate School and International Education, echoed Steinmetz, praising the U of A’s graduate students, faculty and staff.

“The fact that many of our graduate programs continue to do well in the rankings is reflective of the quality of graduate students at the University of Arkansas and the dedicated faculty and staff members who support them,” Needy said.

Sam m. walton college of business

The Walton College M.B.A. program tied for No. 34 among public business schools and tied for No. 63 among all public and private graduate business schools in the U.S. News rankings.

“The full-time Walton College M.B.A. program continues to be nationally ranked and nationally competitive and to attract top students. Our world-class faculty and curriculum produce leaders at major corporations and build careers for our graduates,” said Matthew A. Waller, interim dean of the Walton College.

Walton’s rigorous graduate program starts with a solid foundation in the core business disciplines of economics, accounting, finance, quantitative analysis, management, marketing and supply chain management.

School of Law

The University of Arkansas School of Law is ranked in the top tier of law schools for the eighth consecutive year. It is now No. 46 among public law schools. The School of Law also is ranked seventh nationally in National Jurist's list of the best values in legal education. 

“Our continued ranking as a top tier law school is testament to the dedication of our faculty and the success of our students,” said Stacy Leeds, dean of the School of Law. “We’ve been able to do this while still keeping costs down for our students so they can start their legal careers with minimal debt and can focus their energy on making a difference in people’s lives.”

The University of Arkansas School of Law prepares students for success through a challenging curriculum taught by nationally recognized faculty, unique service opportunities and a close-knit community that puts students first. With alumni in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, two territories and 20 countries, it has been ranked among the top 10 "Values in Legal Education" by the National Jurist magazine for three consecutive years.

college of education and health professions

The graduate education programs in the College of Education and Health Professions held steady in the new rankings at No. 70 among public institutions, down two places from the previous year.

“The rankings are a useful tool, in particular because they help us take a closer look at the categories that make up the overall number and see where improvements will benefit our students,” said Tom Smith, dean of the college. “Our college is No. 25 in funded research among the public institutions with $16.3 million, and we were No. 32 in funded research per faculty member among the public institutions with $194,600. The research our faculty members conduct, many in collaboration with students, also benefits the public as we add knowledge to inform and improve the field of education.”