For the first time, UC Merced’s doctoral programs in the sciences have been ranked among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 edition of Best Graduate Schools.
The School of Engineering celebrated its third appearance in the rankings, and this year marks UC Merced’s first appearance in several science and engineering rankings. It was a banner year in particular for the natural sciences, with UC Merced debuting in the rankings for chemistry (No. 122), mathematics (No. 144), physics (No. 146) and biology (No. 175).
U.S. News ranks graduate science programs based solely on peer assessment surveys sent to academics in each field, reflecting the growing prominence of UC Merced faculty in the minds of scientists and academics nationwide.
“With four of our disciplines in the sciences debuting on this year’s list, it is clear that UC Merced faculty and graduate students are being widely recognized for their significant contributions to science by experts and leaders in their respective fields,” said Dean of Natural Sciences Betsy Dumont.
Engineering school rankings are based in part on peer surveys, but also on other factors such as acceptance rate, research expenditures and number of Ph.D.s granted. UC Merced’s School of Engineering is ranked No. 132 in the nation.
Two engineering specialties were also ranked among the nation’s best, one for the first time. The environmental engineering program, which debuted on last year’s list, came in at No. 76. Mechanical engineering debuted at No. 126 in the rankings.
“The inclusion of the School of Engineering in U.S. News rankings for the third time reflects the growing reputation of the school and the quality of its faculty and graduate students,” said Dean of Engineering Mark Matsumoto. “The fact that we had a number of engineering specialties ranked, including environmental and mechanical engineering, further reflects the high esteem in which we’re held by engineers in every discipline.”
