Africana Studies Graduate Program Ranks Second in Nation

Contact(s):  Catherine Herman (518) 956-8150

ALBANY, N.Y. (August 8, 2008) -- The University at Albany-SUNY's Africana Studies graduate program has maintained its ranking as second in the nation, according to Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine.

"For the past six years, the master's program has been ranked number two in the nation.  It is because of our excellent faculty, outstanding students, and supportive administrators that we have earned this ranking.  Moreover, our graduates have excelled academically and professionally," said Marcia Sutherland, professor and chair of the Africana Studies Department. "With continued support and diligent effort, the department will soon be ranked number one in the nation."

Created in 1969 in the wake and tumult of the civil rights movement, the master's degree program has attracted a growing number of international students. UAlbany is the only school in the SUNY university system that offers a master's degree in Africana Studies.

UAlbany's program ranks second behind Ohio State University. Other schools in the top 10 include New York University, University at Massachusetts at Amherst, Temple University, Columbia University, University of Wisconsin at Madison,  and the University of California-Los Angeles and Berkeley campuses.

The top-10 ranking is based on a synthesis of data from the U.S. Department of Education and National Center for Education and Statistics. An on-site evaluation by outside professors was also conducted. The magazine also looked at the number of graduating students, diversity of the program, and quality of faculty.

Diverse Issues in Higher Education, which is published bi-weekly, carries in-depth and up-to-date coverage of the diverse education community, including African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans, as well as Americans with disabilities and women.

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