SUU Graduate Programs Garner National Attention (2007)

Published: August 17, 2007 | Read Time: 2 minutes

Southern Utah University has once again secured a spot on U.S. News and World Report’s annual ranking of colleges and universities across the nation, but this time, it’s SUU’s master’s programs that are garnering recognition for its high quality graduate studies.

SUU has been providing first-rate undergraduate education for the past 110 years, but did not start offering graduate programs until just 18 years ago, when the Master of Accountancy program became SUU’s first advanced degree offering. Since then, SUU has added an additional seven graduate degrees, and the University’s graduate student base is on the rise. With the fastest growing student body in the Utah System of Higher Education, and an increasing number of national accolades, Southern Utah University is fast-becoming a powerhouse in high quality, affordable public education.

SUU President Michael Benson is obviously pleased with SUU’s most recent recognition, stating “Such prestigious recognition simply reinforces what we already know about the high quality education we strive to provide at SUU.”

Southern Utah University has made a name for itself by providing a public-private school experience comprised of small classes, individual attention and relatively low tuition rates. Those same standards are carried into SUU’s graduate program, where personalized, participative classes and qualified, supportive faculty direct the University’s mission.

Along with a more personalized academic experience than many larger institutions offer, SUU’s graduate department will begin offering two new degree programs this fall semester—including the only Masters of Sports Conditioning and Exercise Science in the United States. The student interest in this newest addition has exceeded initial predictions, and SUU’s Sports Conditioning graduate program is well-positioned to become a national leader in a new movement of physical education and coaching philosophy. SUU produces more coaches than any other college or university in Utah, and this new program will ensure those undergrad students, as well as students nationwide, have the most advanced physical education training available.

In addition to the Masters in Sports Conditioning, SUU will also begin offering a Masters in Public Administration this year. The MPA program is a terminal degree, and will prepare public officials with successful administrative theory to direct their public service. The MPA program has also received a great response for its inaugural year, and promises to be yet another reason for SUU’s continued success.

The U.S. News ranking system is evaluated based on both quantitative measures (including peer assessment, student retention, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, and alumni giving) and subjective evaluations of the overall educational experience. The list of schools ranked specifically for masters programs must offer a broad scope of undergraduate degrees as well as competitive master's programs. The schools are then grouped by region in the rankings, because a large portion of master’s students stay within their geographical region.

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