Kansas State University

Graduate programs ranked among nation's top-25

By Communications & Marketing
From K-State Today

Three Kansas State University graduate programs have received recognition by GraduatePrograms.com, a student-rated guide.

The website ranks the College of Arts and Sciences' sociology graduate program No. 20 and the political science graduate program No. 23. The College of Veterinary Medicine's graduate program is No. 24 in the nation.

"We are very excited that two of the graduate programs in the College of Arts and Sciences are recognized by students as not only among the best in Kansas, but also in the nation," said Peter Dorhout, college dean. "Raising the profile of the university's largest college will benefit the K-State 2025 strategic plan to promote academics, creative endeavors and scholarship."

"It's nice to see students' evaluation of the College of Veterinary Medicine," said Ralph Richardson, dean of the college. "We look forward to continuing to elevate the college's ranking and helping K-State be named a Top 50 public research university by 2025."

Program rankings were compiled using more than 40,000 student reviews from more than 1,300 graduate programs nationwide between Sept. 1, 2012, and Sept. 30, 2013. Ratings are based on a 10-star system with 10 stars being the best.

"I'm proud of our talented sociology faculty who have helped develop and maintain one of the best graduate-level sociology programs in the nation," said Betsy Cauble, sociology, anthropology and social work department head. "I am delighted that students see that and have recognized these efforts."

The guide gave the whole university 8.2 stars out of 10. The sociology program received 7.8 stars, the political science program received 6.854 stars and the veterinary medicine program received 7.083 stars.

"The ranking calls further attention to the outstanding quality of our graduate programs, and that students appreciate the many benefits they derive from our graduate curriculum and the value it represents," said Jeffrey Pickering, political science department head.