National Research Council Rankings of Doctoral Programs

The National Research Council (NRC) is one of the most respected institutions for evaluating the quality of doctoral programs across the United States. In 2010, the NRC released its comprehensive rankings of more than 5,000 doctoral programs across 62 fields, covering 212 universities. These rankings, based on data from the 2005-2006 academic year, aimed to provide an insightful overview of doctoral programs in terms of research activity, faculty achievements, student support, and overall academic environment. This detailed analysis highlighted the institutions that excelled in these areas, showcasing universities with outstanding doctoral programs. Among these, Iowa State University, Indiana University, the University of California (UC) campuses in San Diego and Los Angeles, and the University of Alabama stood out for their exceptional achievements in the NRC rankings.

Iowa State University

Iowa State University (ISU) is renowned for its strengths in a variety of fields, many of which received high marks in the NRC’s 2010 doctoral rankings. The university’s doctoral programs in statistics, chemistry, agricultural sciences, physics, electrical engineering, and economics were highly rated, placing them among the top tiers of academic research. These fields are essential not only for advancing scientific knowledge but also for fostering technological innovation and economic growth. ISU’s emphasis on agricultural sciences is particularly noteworthy, given the university’s historical role as a leader in agricultural research and education.

In addition to its top-ranking programs, Iowa State’s doctoral programs in psychology, genetics, meat science, health and human performance, computer science, human development and family studies, and chemical engineering all placed in the top half of the rankings. These rankings reflect the university’s broad excellence in both traditional and emerging fields of research. With a robust faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, ISU continues to be a major player in advancing knowledge across diverse disciplines. The high ranking of these programs demonstrates the university’s ability to provide students with a rigorous and supportive academic environment, ensuring their success in both academic and professional pursuits.

Indiana University

Indiana University (IU) was another university that earned recognition in the NRC’s 2010 doctoral rankings, particularly for its programs in public affairs and public policy. The doctoral program in Public Affairs, a joint effort with the Department of Political Science, ranked between #1 and #11 nationally. This distinction underscored IU’s leadership in the fields of public administration, policy analysis, and governance. The university’s faculty in this field are known for their expertise in addressing complex societal issues, ranging from public health and environmental sustainability to political strategy and economic development.

IU’s Joint Program in Public Policy, which is offered in collaboration with the Department of Political Science, also performed exceptionally well in the NRC rankings, placing between #2 and #4. The program’s focus on interdisciplinary study and practical policy analysis equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in various governmental and non-governmental organizations. Through this program, students are given opportunities to engage in hands-on research and policymaking, making it one of the most prestigious and well-regarded programs of its kind in the nation. The rankings of these programs reflect the university’s strong commitment to producing high-caliber graduates who are prepared to tackle the pressing challenges of the public sector.

University of California, San Diego

The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is another institution that distinguished itself in the 2010 NRC rankings, particularly in the fields of bioengineering and other biomedical sciences. UCSD’s doctoral programs in bioengineering, as well as two other programs, were ranked first in the country, placing the university at the forefront of cutting-edge research and innovation. Bioengineering is an interdisciplinary field that combines principles of biology, medicine, and engineering to address critical health-related challenges, and UCSD’s leadership in this area reflects the university’s commitment to advancing scientific discovery and technological progress.

Moreover, 60 percent of UCSD’s doctoral programs were ranked among the top 20 in their respective fields, which demonstrates the university’s broad-based excellence in graduate education. UCSD’s faculty is composed of some of the leading researchers in the world, and the university boasts some of the most advanced research facilities in the nation. The high rankings in the NRC report not only highlight the university’s success in fields like bioengineering but also underscore its overall academic strength, interdisciplinary collaboration, and its ability to attract top-tier faculty and students. For graduate students, UCSD offers an environment that promotes intellectual rigor, innovation, and a deep engagement with real-world issues, making it an ideal institution for aspiring scholars and professionals in scientific fields.

University of California, Los Angeles

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is another prestigious institution that made a significant impact in the NRC’s 2010 doctoral rankings. Of the 59 UCLA programs evaluated, 40 placed within the top 10, a remarkable achievement that only two other universities—UC Berkeley and Harvard University—could match in terms of the number of top 10 rankings. UCLA’s strong showing in the NRC rankings reflects the university’s long-standing reputation for academic excellence and its broad, diverse portfolio of top-tier graduate programs.

UCLA has long been known for its leadership in a wide range of fields, from the humanities and social sciences to engineering and the natural sciences. The university’s ability to perform well in the NRC rankings across such a broad spectrum of disciplines highlights its commitment to academic excellence and its ability to nurture world-class researchers. Additionally, the university’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative research methods has created a thriving intellectual community where students and faculty work together to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. Whether in the sciences, arts, or professional fields, UCLA offers graduate students access to a wealth of resources and expertise that position them for success in their careers.

University of Alabama

The University of Alabama (UA) also emerged as a strong contender in the NRC’s 2010 doctoral rankings, with several programs ranking highly in terms of student support, faculty research activity, and diversity. The university’s doctoral programs in mass communication, chemistry, mechanical engineering, physics, and psychology were all highly ranked, placing within the top 25 to 40 percent of doctoral programs nationally across multiple dimensions, including research activity, student support, and faculty diversity.

In addition to its strong academic programs, UA was recognized for its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment. The university ranked highly for its student support and outcomes, offering a variety of resources to help doctoral students succeed academically and professionally. Furthermore, UA’s focus on faculty diversity helps create a more dynamic and inclusive research environment, benefiting both students and faculty alike. The university’s commitment to high academic standards, student success, and diversity positions it as a leading institution in graduate education, particularly in fields like mass communication, engineering, and the sciences.