Grad programs earn high marks in 2019 U.S. News and World Report rankings

New graduate-level rankings released Tuesday by U.S. News and World Report placed CU Boulder second nationally in atomic/molecular/optical physics, fifth in environmental law and sixth in quantum physics.

Physics and earth sciences each rose four spots in the 2019 release, now ranking No. 14 and No. 19, respectively. Both programs improved on standings that were originally issued in 2014.

“Our outstanding graduate programs earn national recognition in rankings like this year after year," said Ann Schmiesing, dean of CU Boulder’s Graduate School and vice provost for graduate affairs. "This is a testament to the robust, high-quality and impactful teaching, research and creative work of our incredible faculty and graduate students."

While not all disciplines are ranked by the publication, a wide range of CU Boulder schools, colleges, departments and programs were prominently featured in the 2019 national rankings: physical chemistry (10), Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences (12), applied math (14), education policy (14), clinical psychology (16), audiology (17), chemical engineering (17), environmental/environmental health engineering (17), civil engineering (23), chemistry (24), speech-language pathology (24), School of Education (29), College of Engineering and Applied Science (32), intellectual property law (32), biology (33), electrical/electric/communications engineering (35), mechanical engineering (35), computer engineering (36), computer science (40), Law School (46), materials engineering (46) and mathematics (47).

Social sciences and humanities programs were also included in this year's rankings: psychology (26), English (35), history (38), political science (40), sociology (42) and economics (50).

The Leeds School of Business received rankings for both its part-time (51) and full-time (65) MBA programs. 

U.S. News and World Report does not update its rankings for every program each year. The 2019 data show CU Boulder maintained the No. 5 spot nationally in ceramics—a standing issued in 2016.

Visit the website to see the full list of CU Boulder's graduate-level rankings.