U.S. News and World Report recognized the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for offering outstanding graduate programs in public policy and social work.
U.S. News rankings are widely recognized as symbols of excellence in higher education awarded by an impartial, trusted institution. Featuring more than 15 measures of academic quality, the U.S. News Best Colleges report provides data-driven information and guidance to help prospective students and their families understand their higher education options.
UA Little Rock is ranked 99th in public policy and 120th in social work in U.S. News and World Report's 2024 rankings of best graduate schools.
Dr. Derek Slagle, director of the School of Public Policy at the University of Arizona Little Rock, said many factors contributed to the Top 100 ranking, including an increase in student and faculty publications and conference presentations, increased activity within the department, recognition of educational excellence through the accreditation process, and continued involvement in community programs.
“We are thrilled that our program has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report,” Slagle said. “The School of Public Policy's appearance in the top 100 for the second consecutive year is a testament to our faculty and teaching staff, the impact of our school's academic scholarship and applied research, and the students participating in our programs. Our program's rankings in terms of reputation and impact have steadily increased year over year.”
UA Little Rock's MPA program provides you with specialized management, analytical and leadership skills along with an understanding of public policy issues necessary for management and policy positions in the national, state, regional, local government and nonprofit sectors.
“We are pleased to see a growing recognition of what MPA program graduates have long known: that the MPA program prepares students to succeed in a variety of administrative roles,” said Dr. Sarah Beth Estes, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education. “We salute our faculty and staff for their consistent excellence.”
The Master of Social Work is a 60-hour program focused on clinical social work practice. Students will learn contemporary, evidence-based practice approaches that can be used in a variety of settings and with a variety of individuals, families, and groups.
“We are pleased with the ranking,” said Dr. Kim Jones, interim co-director of the School of Social Work. “One of the things that makes our program unique is our outstanding faculty who bring real-world social work practice experience to the classroom, and we offer two majors, one clinical and one macro-oriented. Our school prides itself on its outstanding faculty and fully accredited program.”
