By Althea Johnson, University Communications and Marketing
The University of South Florida offers dozens of graduate programs considered among the best in America, according to 2024 rankings released today by U.S. News & World Report. USF features 31 graduate programs ranked inside the top 100.
Ten USF graduate programs are ranked in the top 50 among all public and private institutions, led by industrial and organizational psychology at No. 3 and public health at No. 22. The university’s full-time MBA program moved up nearly 30 spots and is now ranked No. 73.
For USF Health, the doctor of nursing practice program moved up 34 places into the top 50 and the physician’s assistant program made the list for the first time, coming in at No. 65. More information about rankings for USF Health programs is available here.
In addition, USF’s computer engineering and nursing-master’s programs both saw double-digit gains in the rankings.
“The University of South Florida is proud to have our graduate programs recognized among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report,” said USF President Rhea Law. “Our university is committed to delivering high-quality programs that prepare our students for successful careers and continue to help fill the talent pipeline for the Tampa Bay region’s employers. Our performance in the national rankings is a reflection of the hard work and continued pursuit of excellence by our students, faculty and staff.”
Full list of USF’s top 50 programs:
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology* – 3
- Audiology* – 18
- Criminology* – 18
- Public Health – 22
- Library and Information Studies* – 27
- Nursing – Master’s – 31
- Nursing – Doctor of Nursing Practice – 33
- Environmental Engineering – 44
- Rehabilitation Counseling – 46
- Physical Therapy* – 49
Full list of USF’s 51-100 programs:
- Healthcare Management– 52
- Earth Sciences – 54
- Industrial Engineering – 54
- Education – Overall – 54
- Speech-Language Pathology* – 55
- Clinical Psychology* – 56
- Medical – Physician’s Assistant – 65
- Engineering – Chemical – 66
- Pharmacy* – 68
- Business ‐ Part‐time MBA – 68
- Engineering – Computer Engineering – 71
- Engineering – Civil – 73
- Business – Full-time MBA – 73
- Fine Arts* – 73
- Engineering – Overall – 85
- Statistics* – 86
- Sociology* – 92
- Engineering – Electrical/Electronic/Communications – 93
- Nursing – Anesthesia* – 94
- Social Work* – 94
- Psychology* – 97
As U.S. News does not release new rankings for every program, every year, rankings denoted with an asterisk have been republished this year. U.S News also announced that medical school rankings will be released at a later date.
According to U.S. News, rankings are generated through “ranking indicators” derived from reputation and/or data reported by each institution. For some programs, U.S. News evaluates key areas such as expert opinions in the field, opportunities for student engagement, resources for student support and career success, as well as faculty and student performance, in terms of existing credentials, research impact and metrics such as student job placement.
In addition to the graduate program rankings, in September U.S. News ranked USF No. 42 among public institutions on its annual list of best universities in the nation. It’s the highest ranking ever for USF and the fourth consecutive year the university has been inside the top 50.