“The University of Georgia is committed to preparing its graduate students for a wide range of competitive fields,” said Ron Walcott, vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Graduate School. “Our highly ranked graduate programs reflect the quality and commitment of our faculty, as well as the success of our students after graduation.”

The School of Public and International Affairs moved up six spots, from ninth to third overall, and had several graduate specialties among the nation’s top five. SPIA’s programs ranked third in both public finance and budgeting and public management and leadership, and fourth in local government management. 

In addition, the agricultural engineering program in the College of Engineering ranked 18th in the nation. Graduate programs in civil, computer, electrical and environmental engineering continue to climb in national rankings.

The full-time MBA program in the Terry College of Business ranked 38th in the nation and had a 92% postgraduation employment rate three months after graduation. The part-time MBA is ranked 30th.  

The latest U.S. News and World Report rankings come at a time when UGA continues to increase graduate student enrollment and enhance professional development opportunities. Earlier this year, UGA President Jere W. Morehead announced new initiatives to elevate graduate education at UGA. Among these initiatives is GradFIRST, a faculty-led seminar series that will offer first-year graduate students foundational training in research, scholarship and professional development.

UGA’s online graduate programs were recently ranked third among all institutions—both public and private—in the latest edition of the U.S. News & World Report best online programs ranking.

“With outstanding programs and new initiatives like GradFIRST, the University of Georgia is making significant investments in graduate education that will benefit students for years to come,” said S. Jack Hu, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.