Several VCU programs are ranked in the top 50 nationally in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

VCU programs listed in latest U.S. News & World Report rankings

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Several Virginia Commonwealth University programs are ranked in the top 50 nationally in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools list, released Tuesday.

The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs rose to No. 38 nationally among public affairs graduate schools (up from No. 45 in 2020). The school’s public management and leadership program is ranked 34th nationally (previously No. 39) and the Wilder School earned new U.S. News rankings for its programs in social policy (No. 19) and urban policy (No. 28).

“This is a remarkable moment for the Wilder School — to rise within the rankings and to be esteemed so highly by our peers for our leadership in providing a world-class public service education,” said Susan T. Gooden, Ph.D., dean of the Wilder School. “Our ranking as a top school in social policy, in particular, is a direct reflection of our school’s namesake, Governor L. Douglas Wilder, who has continued to invest mightily in the school’s ascent in national prominence, both as a treasured ambassador for our school and through his engagement in key initiatives that build upon our expertise in social policy, such as the school’s new Research Institute for Social Equity.”

VCU’s School of Education (No. 26) retained its top-30 national ranking among education schools. The School of Nursing’s master’s program (No. 33) also retained its current ranking. The nursing school’s doctor of nursing practice program is ranked 38th nationally and the College of Engineering’s nuclear engineering program is ranked 22nd nationally in the latest rankings. 

Several VCU online graduate programs were ranked among the best in the country in their categories, according to a January report from U.S. News. Among VCU’s ranked programs in previously updated listings are nurse anesthesia (No. 1), fine arts: sculpture (No. 1), fine arts: printmaking (No. 2), rehabilitation counseling (No. 4) and health care management (No. 5).

Not all program areas receive updated rankings each year. For more about VCU’s rankings, including graduate programs ranked in the top 50 during previous updates by U.S. News & World Report, visit www.vcu.edu/about-vcu/facts-and-rankings/.