Two of the University’s graduate programs rank among the best in the country, according to a recent U.S. News & World Report survey of U.S. graduate schools.
The graduate program in the Department of Architecture ranks 15th, and the College of Education ranks 20th.
Educators in the departments are happy about the results but not necessarily surprised.
“It shows the continued quality of our program,” said Robert Melnick, dean of the College of Architecture and Allied Arts. “This is what I expect of the department.”
Melnick said it is nice to be recognized for what the department is doing and believes the rankings can only help the department continue to attract quality faculty and students.
Martin Kaufman, dean of the College of Education, said of the results, “It’s extraordinary.”
Kaufman said the results reflect an exceptional faculty and student body, citing that the survey found the college to be the 17th most selective in admissions. He said that many of the other top schools are twice as large.
Within the College of Education, the Special Education and Community Resources program ranks third, behind only the University of Kansas and Vanderbilt University.
One way U.S. News & World Report re-evaluates graduate programs each year is by gathering information from academics, non-academics and professionals in the different fields to judge the reputation of the schools.
The publication, however, gives more statistical weight to factors that measure educational excellence, such as standardized test scores, the rate of employment for students and funding.
Kaufman said $19 million of the school’s funding comes from external sources, such as research grants and private donations. The school receives only about $5 million from the state, so the rankings help the school compete despite lower salaries, Kaufman said.
Melnick said the ranking is significant for the department of architecture because it shows that the University produces a competitive program with less money.
Both programs have made the list for the last four years with the College of Education falling four spots, down from 16th last year. Architecture was 15th last year and this year shares the same spot with Syracuse, Georgia Tech and the Rhode Island School of Design.
“It’s great, a real honor,” Melnick said.
UO graduate schools listed with the best
Daily Emerald
April 3, 2000
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