U.S. News ranks VCU’s graduate programs among top 50 in their respective fields

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Ten of Virginia Commonwealth University's (VCU) graduate programs were ranked among the top 50 in their fields, according to U.S. News & World Report.

In an announcement released on Tuesday, April 8, in the annual listings of Best Graduate Schools from U.S. News & World Report, ten of VCU's graduate programs were highlighted as top 50 in their fields.

As stated by VCU, the university now has 22 graduate programs that are ranked top 50 from U.S. News. Below are the newest rankings of the graduate programs:

• Five of the programs in the College of Health Professions ranked in the top 50 -- rehabilitation counseling tied for fourth, nursing anesthesia ranked 6th, health care management tied for seventh, occupational therapy tied for ninth, and physical therapy tied for 33rd.
• The School of Education ranked No. 24 for Best Education Schools.
• The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs tied for 36th in Best Public Affairs Programs. Its homeland security and emergency management program ranked sixth, and public management and leadership tied for 33rd.
• The College of Engineering's nuclear engineering program ranked No. 18.

“VCU’s success and growing reputation in graduate education are the result of faculty-led innovation across the university’s academic programs. Our strategic focus on expanding and enhancing the size and quality of our graduate programs has been instrumental in our enrollment growth. This is a crucial area for VCU as we adapt to changing demographics and the frequently discussed ‘enrollment cliff.’ The faculty’s efforts to evolve their programs, ensuring they remain fresh and market-relevant in a rapidly evolving world, coupled with the growth of our research enterprise, have fueled VCU’s rising rankings.” Fotis Sotiropoulos, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.