Capitol News

In the 2025-26 Best Graduate Schools rankings by U.S. News & World Report, Michigan State University (MSU) has achieved notable recognition. Four of its graduate programs received first-place national rankings, including two that have maintained this position for over three decades.

Thomas Jeitschko, MSU Interim Provost, stated, "As a leading global public research university, MSU understands the vital role that graduate education plays in cultivating the next generation of innovators, experts and knowledge leaders. The continued high rankings of our graduate programs affirm the high quality of our talented faculty, their contributions to their respective fields of study, and the positive impact they make in supporting our graduate student scholars."

The College of Education at MSU continues to excel, with both elementary and secondary education programs ranked No. 1 nationwide since 1995. Nine out of ten of the college’s programs are within the top ten across the country. The educational administration and higher education administration programs have been acknowledged as No. 1 for the second consecutive year.

"The continued top rankings through U.S. News & World Report illustrate MSU’s dedication to rigorous and innovative programs for our students," commented Jerlando F. L. Jackson, dean of the College of Education and MSU Research Foundation Professor of Education. He added that, "The rankings are also a credit to the dedicated faculty and staff who support, advocate for, and collaborate with our students. We are honored to be recognized by our peers and by U.S. News and look to the future with renewed commitment to further education, health and well-being for all."

Here is the latest ranking list for MSU's College of Education graduate programs:

- No. 1 — Educational administration

- No. 1 — Elementary education

- No. 1 — Secondary education

- No. 1 — Higher education administration

- No. 2 — Rehabilitation counseling

- No. 3 — Curriculum and instruction

- No. 4 — Educational psychology

- No. 6 — Education policy

- No. 9 — Special education

Additionally, the university's supply chain management graduate program is ranked No. 2 this year, while it continues to hold the No. 1 position in undergraduate studies. Its operations and sourcing management program in the Department of Supply Chain Management improved one place to No. 8.

Dean of the Eli Broad College of Business, David Souder, observed, "These rankings reflect the dedication of our faculty, students and alumni who continually push the boundaries of excellence. We are proud to see our programs recognized among the best in the nation, and we remain committed to providing an exceptional education that prepares our graduates for success."

U.S. News & World Report does not rank all programs yearly. However, the following programs maintain their top 20 positions:

- No. 2 — Nuclear physics

- No. 9 — Criminal justice/criminology

U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on expert opinion regarding program excellence.