CNHS, MPA and I/O Psychology Programs Earn U.S.News Recognition

By Amy Biderman and Jeremy Lasich, B.A. Communication '98

U.S.News & World Report has recognized the College of Nursing and Health Science (CNHS), the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, and the Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology program in its latest rankings. Survey results appear in the new U.S.News & World Report: Best Graduate Schools.

CNHS is ranked 48th in the nation among nursing school master's degree programs. "The fact that the college has been in the top 50 for the past eight years is a testament to the quality of the faculty," says P.J. Maddox, CNHS dean. "We're proud that a program so young in the history of the university has been recognized by U.S.News. The schools that outrank us have much longer and established academic histories."

The MPA program is ranked 46th—the same ranking it had in 2001, the last time the magazine rated the programs. "We are in the top 50 again for two reasons: the quality of the students and the quality of the faculty," says Larry Walters, program director. "In fact, I would contend that our reputation hasn't quite caught up with as good as we are. People are now beginning to notice and acknowledge our success."

The I/O Psychology program also held steady from its 2001 ranking of eighth in the nation. "When we hired Rich Klimoski [now dean of the School of Management], a highly visible I/O psychologist at the time, he raised our program visibility several quantum leaps," says James Maddux, acting chair for Public and International Affairs. "That allowed us to hire excellent young faculty, and his legacy remains here in the program." Jose Cortina has served as director the past year, and Lois Tetrick from the University of Houston will take over the program this fall.