US News Best Graduate Schools in Specialized Fields

The U.S. News & World Report 2013 edition of the Best Graduate Schools rankings highlighted several institutions across the United States for their exceptional graduate and professional programs. These rankings are based on a variety of factors, including academic reputation, peer assessments, and the success of their graduates in the professional world. Many universities were recognized for their strength in specialized fields such as physics, engineering, education, business, and public policy, underscoring the diverse academic excellence found across the country.

The University of Colorado Boulder is a standout institution, particularly in the field of atomic, molecular, and optical physics. CU Boulder secured the top position for its atomic/molecular/optical physics program, sharing the honor with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This achievement reflects the university’s deep commitment to cutting-edge research and its strong faculty in areas related to quantum mechanics, lasers, and atomic science. Additionally, CU Boulder’s environmental sciences program ranked 5th, while its quantum physics program tied for 5th place as well. These high rankings underscore CU Boulder’s broad scientific expertise, ranging from environmental studies to quantum mechanics, which are crucial fields in understanding the natural world and advancing technological innovation. Furthermore, its physical chemistry program earned the 8th spot, demonstrating the university's strength in the intersection of chemistry, physics, and biology. CU Boulder’s continued success in these rankings highlights its reputation as a global leader in both basic and applied scientific research.

At the University of Washington (UW), the School of Medicine has earned the top rank for primary-care medical schools for an impressive 19th consecutive year. UW’s medical program is renowned for its focus on community health, primary care, and serving underserved populations, offering students a chance to work in real-world, high-need areas. In addition to the medical school, the College of Engineering at UW is highly ranked, with the biomedical/bioengineering program tying for 7th place. This program is part of a broader initiative at UW to integrate engineering and healthcare, particularly in the design and development of medical technologies and innovations in patient care. With these exceptional rankings in both medicine and engineering, UW continues to demonstrate its strength in interdisciplinary research, making significant strides in improving public health and advancing medical technologies.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) also earned recognition for its top-tier graduate programs. The supply chain management and logistics program at UTK rose to 5th place among public institutions and 9th place nationally, marking a significant achievement for the university. The growing importance of efficient logistics and supply chain management in the global economy makes this ranking especially noteworthy. UTK’s nuclear engineering program and printmaking program were also ranked highly, reflecting the university’s diverse academic strengths. In particular, UTK’s nuclear engineering program plays a critical role in the development of sustainable energy solutions, while the printmaking program demonstrates the university’s commitment to blending traditional arts with modern technology.

Xavier University is another institution that demonstrated its strengths in the 2013 U.S. News rankings, particularly in the area of business. Its Executive MBA program ranked 23rd, while its MBA with a concentration in International Business was ranked 22nd, showcasing Xavier’s commitment to preparing students for leadership roles in the global business environment. These rankings reflect the university’s reputation for providing a rigorous, values-based education that emphasizes ethical leadership and practical business skills. Xavier’s focus on individualized attention and small class sizes provides students with a collaborative learning environment that fosters professional and personal growth.

At the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), the graduate programs in fine arts, engineering, and business continue to earn recognition for their excellence. RIT’s photography program tied for 6th in the nation, while industrial design ranked 8th, and multimedia/visual communications came in at 12th. These rankings demonstrate RIT’s strength in the integration of technology and art, which is crucial in today’s rapidly evolving digital media landscape. The university's focus on practical, hands-on experience ensures that graduates are well-prepared to succeed in industries where design and technology intersect. RIT’s graduate programs in engineering also earned recognition for their innovation and industry relevance, with strong programs in electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.

The University of Kansas (KU) also stands out for its graduate programs, particularly in special education and city management and urban policy. KU’s special education program was ranked 1st in the nation, tied with Vanderbilt University, reflecting the university’s commitment to training educators who can meet the needs of children with disabilities. Similarly, KU’s city management and urban policy program ranked 1st nationally, emphasizing the university’s leadership in preparing students for careers in public service and urban planning. KU’s success in these areas is a testament to the university’s emphasis on community engagement and its role in shaping future leaders who can address the complex challenges facing urban communities.

The U.S. News & World Report’s 2013 rankings offer a comprehensive look at the strengths of graduate programs across the United States, highlighting a diverse range of academic disciplines. Institutions such as the University of Colorado Boulder, the University of Washington, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Xavier University, Rochester Institute of Technology, and the University of Kansas stand out not only for their academic achievements but also for their ability to integrate research, innovation, and real-world application in ways that directly benefit their students and the broader society. As prospective graduate students consider their options, these rankings provide valuable insight into the institutions that are best positioned to offer world-class education and opportunities for professional growth.