USF sees 42 programs crack Top 100 in U.S. News grad studies rankings

The University of South Florida is touting a strong showing in the latest U.S. News & World Report graduate school rankings, with more than 40 programs landing among the nation’s best for their respective disciplines.

U.S. News compared graduate schools in Florida and around the country, producing individual rankings across many different disciplines. In all, 42 USF graduate programs earned Top 100 recognition.

That includes 18 programs ranked in the Top 50 and five others in the Top 25 of their respective categories, including 14 USF programs that rank No. 1 or No. 2 within Florida. USF programs such as public health specialties, nursing, rehabilitation counseling and multiple engineering disciplines are among those that ranked in the Top 50, according to a USF news release.

The university’s best-ranked program — industrial and organizational psychology — came in at No. 3 nationwide, while criminology and audiology each ranked No. 18.

The rankings also highlight USF’s medical research. The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine earned a Tier 1 designation for research for the second consecutive year, placing it among just 16 medical schools nationwide, and in the top 10 among public universities, to receive the accolade.

“With dozens of programs ranked among the best in the country — and some making significant gains — we are strong across disciplines that matter most to the Tampa Bay region and our state’s economy,” USF President Moez Limayem said in a statement.

“The Morsani College of Medicine’s position in the top tier nationally further reflects that progress. Our focus at USF is clear: Deliver high-impact research and a world-class education that prepares graduates to be ready to solve real-world challenges from day one.”

Several programs moved up their respective rankings compared to previous years. Environmental engineering climbed eight spots, while the doctor of nursing practice program rose five spots, pushing both into the Top 50. Clinical psychology saw the largest jump of all programs at the university, moving up 38 spots from last year.

U.S. News calculates its graduate program rankings using a mix of reputation surveys and institutional data, including factors such as faculty credentials, research output, student engagement, resources for student support and career success.

The latest rankings build on USF’s momentum in national standings overall. The university previously reached an all-time high of No. 88 in overall university rankings, and has remained among the Top 50 public universities for seven consecutive years.

“Graduate students are the next generation of scholars and innovators,” USF Provost and Vice President Prasant Mohapatra said. “Our continued rise in graduate program rankings affirms the strength of our programs and our commitment to academic excellence.”

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