OHIO STATE HAS TOP 10 GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN U.S. NEWS RANKINGS

   COLUMBUS -- The Ohio State University makes a strong showing in U.S. News & World Report's annual ranking of selected graduate programs, with several specialty programs and one college ranked in the top 10.

   New rankings of graduate schools and doctoral programs released for this year cover only a portion of the programs offered at Ohio State and other U.S. institutions.

   The College of Education is ranked seventh overall, up from 13th last year; it is the top graduate education program in the Big Ten and the third highest among public universities in the United States.

   And in keeping with the university's desire to move to the front ranks of comprehensive teaching and research universities, the College of Engineering moved from 25th to 20th place nationally. Selective Investment funding awarded to two of its key departments last year is expected to further enhance the college's standing.

   Several of the College of Education's specialty programs receive some of the highest rankings for Ohio State. Vocational education receives a No. 1 ranking, while counseling is second and elementary and secondary education both are ranked third. The college's other areas also do well, with administration fourth, and curriculum and instruction sixth.

   "Ohio State's top-10 ranking shows that an education college involved in schools and communities can accomplish a great deal in graduate education," said Interim College of Education Dean Daryl Siedentop, noting the college's many collaborative efforts with public school districts, classroom teachers and community partners.

   The College of Law's program in dispute resolution is at the top of its field, improving from a rank of fourth last year. The college is ranked 43rd overall. The Fisher College of Business is ranked 26th. The College of Medicine and Public Health is ranked 39th overall, and 38th in primary care.

   "Naturally, we like to see the university's programs perform well in these annual rankings," said Edward J. Ray, executive vice president and provost. "The story behind -- and beyond -- the rankings is the collective effort of teachers and researchers to provide a high-quality education and dedicated service to the students and citizens of Ohio."

   In other rankings, the doctoral program in chemistry is ranked 20th and the physics Ph.D. program is rated 25th.

   For most categories, the magazine bases its decisions on: how selective the program is in admitting applicants, faculty resources, institutional reputation and research activity. Other criteria, such as graduate placement success, are added in specific instances. Specialty rankings are based on top 10 nominations from deans across the country.

   The graduate school issue of U.S. News & World Report will appear on newsstands Monday (3/22), and the magazine's America's Best Graduate Schools guidebook will go on sale April 6. Information on all rankings is available at the magazine's Colleges and Careers Center Web site: http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/

Contact: Malcolm Baroway, executive director of university communications, (614) 292-6895