Three Columbus State University graduate programs appear in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-24 Best Graduate School rankings released on April 25. Designed for prospective students looking to further their education beyond their undergraduate educations, these rankings evaluate programs in a variety of graduate-level disciplines. In this year’s rankings, U.S. News cited Columbus State’s graduate programs in education, public administration and business administration among its “best” in the nation.

“At Columbus State, our graduate and undergraduate education programs are inextricably intertwined. So, when our graduate programs like those in education, public administration, and business administration are ranked, that speaks volumes for the quality of instruction, hands-on experiences and career opportunities all CSU students—both graduate and undergraduate—studying in these disciplines benefit from,” said Dr. Margie Yates, dean of research and graduate studies.

Graduate education programs ranked 206th nationally

The College of Education & Health Professions’ collective graduate education programs were the highest of the three disciplines in the Best Graduate School rankings—appearing at No. 206 nationally and tied with two other institutions. Among the University System of Georgia’s 26 institutions, it ranks fifth in the state.

Based in the Department of Teacher Education, Leadership & Counseling, Columbus State’s graduate education programs include endorsements and master of education, master of arts in teaching, educational specialist and doctorate in education degrees—some of which can be completed online.

A unique element of Columbus State’s teacher certification programs is its “CSU Teaching Contract Guarantee,” which ensures a Muscogee County School District teaching contract for any Columbus State teacher education graduate who passes the student teaching component of their degree, and who meets Georgia Professional Standards Commission induction certification requirements.

U.S. News’ graduate education rankings are based on research activity, the academic excellence of entering students, the program’s faculty resources, and opinions on program quality from education school deans and school hiring professionals in response to a U.S. News-administered survey.

Graduate Public Administration program ranked 254th nationally

The College of Letters & Sciences’ public affairs-focused graduate programs tied at No. 254 nationally, sharing that spot with five other institutions. Among the University System of Georgia’s 26 institutions, it ranks 12th in the state. 
 
The cornerstone of CSU’s public affairs curriculum is its master of public administration degree, based in the Department of Politics, Philosophy & Public Administration. Students pursuing an MPA can specialize in two tracks. The government administration track emphasizes organizational theory and operations, conflict resolution and grant-writing, and prepares graduates for a variety of careers in local, state, and federal government. The justice administration track focuses on constitutional law, crime theory and criminal reform, and prepares graduates for careers with the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and state and local law enforcement.

The MPA is also one of two master’s degrees—the other being the M.S. in organizational leadership in the Turner College of Business & Technology —that can be paired with the U.S. Army’s 22-week Maneuver Captain’s Career Course and earned with three prescribed, three-hour courses.

U.S. News’ graduate public affairs rankings are based solely on peer assessment survey results.

Part-time MBA ranked 269th nationally

Finally, the part-time Master of Business Administration program in the recently renamedTurner College of Business & Technology ranked 269th nationally and tied with two other universities. Among the University System of Georgia’s 26 institutions, it ranks ninth in the state. To be eligible, a business school must be accredited by the AACSB International.

Based in the Department of Marketing & Management, the part-time MBA option gives working professionals the opportunity to broaden and deepen their skills while maintaining regular employment and other personal commitments. Like full-time MBA students, part-time students gain valuable insights preparing them for managerial positions in business, industry or government. The 30-hour program emphasizes strategic planning, business intelligence and analytics, organizational behavior, accounting, operations, marketing, finance, information systems, and their impacts on managerial decision-making.

U.S. News’ part-time MBA rankings are based on a peer assessment score, student and faculty headcount, and entrants’ standardized admissions test scores, undergraduate GPAs and work experience.

Methodology

The full methodology for U.S. News’ Best Graduate School rankings is available on its website.

In its literature, U.S. News advises that a school’s rank should be one consideration and not the lone determinant in where a student applies. While the rankings assess academic quality, research success and reputation among peers, students should also consider location, environment, strength of different fields, and cost after tuition and financial aid when making enrollment decisions.