UNC Graduate Programs Ranked Among Nation’s Best by U.S. News
May 8, 2023
The University of Northern Colorado has been ranked among the 2023-2024 Best Graduate Schools in five disciplines by U.S. News & World Report. Most notably, the University’s Rehabilitation Counseling program was ranked #13 in the nation among 94 other specialty graduate programs this year. The program has earned recognition as a top-rated rehabilitation counseling program in the nation for the past 10 years. It is the only graduate rehabilitation counseling program in Colorado accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
Five other UNC graduate programs ranked in the top 100 of U.S. News Best Graduate Schools:
- Public Health #17
- Audiology #40
- Nursing #78
- Speech-Language Pathology #92
- Statistics #99
Additional UNC graduate programs recognized for national excellence this year include Best Education Schools, Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Biological Sciences, Mathematics and Psychology.
Designed for prospective students looking to further their education beyond a four-year degree, the Best Graduate Schools rankings evaluate programs in a variety of disciplines. U.S. News collects graduate school data annually and presents figures related to enrollment, job placement, faculty and other indicators that can help prospective students make informed decisions.
Since 1964, UNC’s Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling has provided students with the education and training necessary to help individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses achieve maximum potential, meaningful employment and full community integration.
“Rehabilitation counseling is the ‘best kept secret’ in the field of counseling, and graduates are strongly recruited to by federal, state and local agencies to improve the quality of life of individuals with disabilities,” said Jill Bezyak, professor and program director.
UNC's two-year program combines coursework and hands-on instruction, including supervised on-campus clinical practicum experiences working with individuals and their families and an off-campus internship with a community service agency. Graduates of the program become certified rehabilitation counselors and are eligible for licensure as a professional counselor.
“One thing that makes our program so unique is our strong connections and roots in the rehabilitation community, from the very beginning of the program,” said Jill Bezyak, professor and program coordinator. “We maintain close relationships with our alumni, the majority of whom remain in Colorado, allowing us to expand upon that connected community so we all continue working as a team.”
An added benefit for UNC students is the availability of competitive funding through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education specifically earmarked to increase the number of qualified vocational rehabilitation counselors. The grant, which is part of the RSA Rehabilitation Long-Term Training Scholarship Program, covers nine credits of tuition and fees, student health insurance and a stipend.
The Colorado School of Public Health, which offers MPH and certificate programs at three Colorado universities including UNC, was also ranked in the top 20 schools and programs of public health in the nation this year. Moving up two spaces from last year, ColoradoSPH is now ranked 17th out of 206 Master of Public Health (MPH) programs accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.
Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report ranked UNC among the best online master’s in education and online MBA programs.
Learn more information about UNC’s Rehabilitation Counseling program by visiting the website.
For more information on the U.S. News & World Report 2023-2024 Best Graduate Schools rankings, visit usnews.com/best-graduate-schools.
For more information on graduate programs at the University of Northern Colorado, visit the Graduate School.
