ACCOLADES No. 1: Master’s Degree Programs Recognized as Best in Nation

School of Nursing master’s degree programs are the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of graduate schools, which was released April 25.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Master of Nursing (MN) programs came in at the top spot, while the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program retained its impressive No. 6 standing. U.S. News placed the school No. 2 in its undergraduate program rankings last fall.

“We are always honored to be recognized among the top nursing programs, and for our master’s programs to be named the best in the nation is just a thrill,” says Dean Linda McCauley 79MN, PhD, RN, FAAN, FRCN. “This recognition provides an opportunity for the public to see what we know to be true — that our students are receiving top-notch preparation, our faculty and students are engaging in life-changing research and service alongside our partners, and our alumni are making a difference every day as visionary nurse leaders. I am incredibly proud of our entire school community.”

No. 4 AdultGerontology Acute Care (MSN)

No. 6 AdultGerontology Primary Care (DNP)

No. 4

AdultGerontology Primary Care (MSN)

No. 5 Family (DNP)

No. 6 Family (MSN) funding

The Fiscal Year 2022 rankings from the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research compare schools, departments, and all institutions across the United States on the basis of NIH funding.

The school posted the thirdhighest total among nursing schools during 2022, with approximately $15 million in research and training grants, fellowships, and other awards.

The school’s NIH-funded grants supported various research areas, including health disparities and equity, environmental health, dementia and related caregiving, HIV, chronic pain management, kidney disease, gut microbiome, machine learning, and cancer pain management.