Release

UAlbany Graduate Programs Ranked Among Top 25 in the Nation by U.S. News and World Report

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 5, 2005) -- U.S. News and World Report�s annual rankings of the nation�s graduate programs rate the University at Albany�s criminal justice program second and several others within the top 25.

For 2005, UAlbany programs in information and technology management (4); public management and administration (6); public finance and budgeting (9); library science (15); social welfare (19); and public policy analysis (25) retained their earlier placements, as did Rockefeller College�s public policy program, which again ranked 10th. The sociology program now ranks 25th. The University�s counseling/personal services program ranked 13th; programs in that category were not rated previously.

Julie Horney, dean of the School of Criminal Justice since 2002, said, �We are pleased that U.S. News and World Report recognized the importance of criminal justice Ph.D. education and, for the first time this year, included criminal justice as a field in the annual rankings of graduate programs. We are extremely proud of the No. 2 ranking, which clearly reflects the quality that has been the hallmark of the school since it was founded in the late 1960s as the country�s first criminal justice Ph.D. program. Its outstanding faculty are not only renowned researchers but also highly dedicated teachers, and the school attracts excellent students from all over the world. Over the years, our alumni have emerged as leaders who have shaped the criminal justice field in academics, practice, and policy making. With a number of new initiatives, such as our criminal justice information technology concentration and our inauguration of an annual Albany Symposium on Crime and Justice, we expect to continue our proud tradition of excellence.�

UAlbany President Kermit Hall foresees improved rankings for other University programs, as well. Hall, who has pledged since his arrival in February to emphasize student needs and concerns, noted that the scholarships, fellowships, professorships, and other support he envisions will strengthen programs throughout the University. "We will continue to commit resources to attract motivated students and faculty, and to strengthen the University�s academic and research programs," he said. "This commitment will create new opportunities for our students and new highly regarded programs, and further enhance the University's reputation for excellence."