UIC graduate programs rise in rankings
Several colleges and specialty programs at the University of Illinois at Chicago rose significantly in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings of graduate schools.
The rankings are intended to help prospective professional and graduate students research academic programs at different institutions and evaluate the potential return on their investment. The 2017 edition ranks graduate programs in business, law, education, engineering, medicine and nursing, and also ranks some specialty programs within those disciplines.
One of the largest jumps for UIC was made by its college of pharmacy, which moved up eight spots to reach No. 6.
“We feel that a ranking of sixth is much more reflective of the world-class education that is available at the UIC College of Pharmacy,” said its dean, Jerry Bauman. “Between our impactful research programs, large array of innovative clinical practice experiences, and our amazing residency opportunities, there is really no other college that can match us.”
The UIC College of Education moved up two spots, to 41st, while the UIC College of Engineering rose one spot, to 60th. The UIC College of Medicine (research) improved to 47th from 49th, and UIC’s part-time MBA program that was previously ranked 109th improved to 78th.
The UIC College of Nursing ranked 23rd, and had six specialty programs ranked even higher: family nurse practitioner (7th); nursing administration (8th); midwifery (10th); gerontology nurse practitioner (10th); pediatric nurse practitioner (12th); and psychiatric nurse practitioner (13th).
Two programs in the UIC College of Applied Health Sciences also ranked in the top 20: occupational therapy remained at No. 4, while physical therapy rose one spot, to 15th.
“The U.S. News & World Report rankings reflect our increasing national reputation and our commitment to research, education and clinical excellence,” said Dr. Robert Barish, vice chancellor for health affairs.
Students can pursue their research interests in leading laboratories, said Susan Poser, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.
“Research at UIC is reshaping educational policy — developing cleaner, more sustainable energy; helping to make sense of today’s vast amounts of computer-generated data; and driving economic development by moving research to practical application, among other things,” Poser said. “We are pleased that U.S. News is beginning to recognize the extraordinary and varied research at UIC and the high quality of education and opportunity that our outstanding student body receives.”
