FSU College of Social Work Graduate Programs Climb in U.S. News Rankings

Florida State University graduate programs in social work, speech-language pathology, and public affairs are the best in Florida and among the top in the nation, according to the latest rankings published in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 edition of “Best Graduate Schools.”  

The three programs join the university’s graduate program in education and the College of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice as those ranked No. 1 among Florida’s public universities. 

The College of Social Work’s graduate programs jumped from No. 42 to No. 36 and check in within the top 25 among public universities at No. 22. The college is also ranked No. 1 among Florida universities.

"The ascent of the College of Social Work in academic rankings is a testament to the steadfast dedication of our faculty and staff, along with the exemplary achievements of our students and alumni in the field," remarked Dean David Springer. "Our progress is propelled forward by the unwavering backing from our FSU leadership, notably Provost Clark and President McCullough, who recognize the profound importance of social work education and research and our impact on communities.”

The speech-language pathology graduate program in the School of Communication Science and Disorders, housed within the College of Communication and Information, ranked No. 14 among all public and private institutions and No. 10 among publics. 

“The school’s position as the top-ranked speech-language pathology program in Florida, and its rank of No. 14 nationwide, are well deserved,” said Michelle Kazmer, dean of the College of Communication and Information. “They reflect the rigorous curriculum, exceptional teaching, excellent clinical services, impactful translational research, and high levels of federal funding undertaken by the faculty and staff at the school.” 

Graduate programs within the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy also received recognition. The public affairs program ranked No. 47 in the country and No. 33 among publics, while the relatively new public health program placed No. 88 overall and No. 59 among publics. 

“I am proud to see two of our graduate programs recognized among the best in the nation,” said Tim Chapin, dean College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. “Even given a transition to a new generation of outstanding young faculty, our public affairs program remains Florida’s best. The public health program is also now ranked, which is a remarkable achievement given the massive growth of the university’s fastest-growing undergraduate major in this discipline.”  

The U.S. News rankings of the speech-language pathology, social work and public affairs disciplines are based solely on opinions of each program’s quality as rated by academic experts at peer institutions.