UMSL’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program ranked highly in the latest U.S. News Best Graduate Programs list, coming in at No. 74 nationally. The program is ranked first in the St. Louis region and third in the state of Missouri. (Photo by August Jennewein)

The University of Missouri–St. Louis boasts some of the best graduate programs in the region, as evidenced by new U.S. News & World Report rankings released today. The College of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program remains in the top 100 programs across the country, and graduate programs from the College of Business Administration and College of Education aren’t far behind after big jumps in the latest rankings.

Overall, six UMSL programs were recognized in the 2023-24 U.S. News Best Graduate Programs list unveiled today.

UMSL’s DNP program came in at No. 74 this year, ranking first in the St. Louis region and third in the state of Missouri. This latest recognition comes after UMSL’s online RN to BSN program was ranked No. 39 nationally in U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs earlier this year.

“We are very proud of all of our programs, which are undergoing positive change as we usher in new national recommendations and requirements,” College of Nursing Dean Roxanne Vandermause said. “We are committed to our focus on excellence, our commitment to inclusion and the education of a diverse workforce and our community-engaged nursing education. The future of nursing is reflected in our curricula!”

This year’s rankings also saw sizeable jumps for other UMSL graduate programs. The College of Education’s MEd program climbed to No. 112 this year after moving up 30 spots last year, ranking first in the St. Louis region and second in the state. The university’s part-time MBA program shot to No. 125 up from No. 163 last year.

“I am not surprised by our rise in rankings,” College of Education Dean Ann Taylor said. “We are known for the way our excellent faculty and staff translate the best in research ideas into practices that transform classrooms, clinics and organizations throughout our region. Outside funders are recognizing the value we bring to communities as we work in partnership to elevate the region for all to benefit. Take a look: it is our graduates who are the leaders who make a difference where it matters – in mental health, educational and recreational settings.”

UMSL also ranked No. 173 in mathematics and No. 192 in chemistry, and its Master of Public Policy Administration program ranked No. 137. U.S. News does not rank every category of graduate school every year, so no rankings for criminology, social work, psychology or biology – all areas where UMSL has consistently ranked well – were released this year.

“We are pleased to see that our high-quality yet affordable graduate programs in education and business are continuing to rise in the U.S. News & World Report rankings,” Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost Steven J. Berberich said. “This recognition is a credit to our faculty and staff who continue to provide educational and co-curricular experiences that truly transforms lives.”