News Summary
The University of South Carolina has once again secured the top spot for its International MBA program in the 2025 Best Graduate School rankings by U.S. News & World Report. The Darla Moore School of Business has been a leader in business education for over three decades. Notable advancements have also been observed across various disciplines like engineering, law, and nursing, showcasing USC’s commitment to enhancing educational quality and academic excellence across all its programs.
South Carolina
The University of South Carolina (USC) has been ranked No. 1 for its International MBA program for the 11th consecutive year in the 2025 Best Graduate School rankings by U.S. News & World Report. The Darla Moore School of Business, which houses the IMBA program, has consistently maintained a position in the top three nationally for 36 years, underscoring its long-standing excellence in business education.
The recent rankings highlight USC’s extensive representation across various disciplines, including engineering, education, and law. The university’s commitment to enhancing educational quality is evident through the significant improvements seen in multiple graduate programs, showcasing the institution’s dedication to fostering academic excellence.
Notable Program Improvements
The Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing saw an improvement in its overall ranking, moving up 12 spots to achieve a national ranking of No. 81, placing it at No. 49 among public universities. Within this college, the civil engineering program experienced a notable rise, climbing 14 positions to No. 73. Meanwhile, the nuclear engineering program improved two spots to secure a national ranking of No. 21.
In the realm of education, the College of Education enhanced its standing by two spots to No. 27 among the best graduate education schools. This marks a remarkable 60-spot increase over the past three years, highlighting the college’s effectiveness in providing quality education.
USC’s Joseph F. Rice School of Law also made strides by rising three spots to No. 63 nationally, ranking No. 33 among public law schools. Notably, the trial advocacy program garnered attention by reaching No. 12 nationally, demonstrating the school’s focus on practical legal training.
The College of Nursing has not fallen short either; its doctor of nursing practice program climbed six spots to a national ranking of No. 36, while the master’s program is recognized as the 23rd best in the nation. Additionally, USC’s online master’s program in nursing achieved the No. 1 spot for the fifth consecutive year, reinforcing the university’s leadership in nursing education.
Commitment to Academic Excellence
The Darla Moore School of Business’s graduate-level operations and supply chain program ranked No. 18, affirming its reputation for preparing students for key roles in business operations. The part-time MBA program also secured a commendable No. 23 ranking, contributing to the school’s strong overall performance.
These academic achievements reflect the university’s ongoing commitment to quality education and the enhancement of graduate programs across all its campuses. The Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs noted that the continuous improvement observed in rankings is a testament to USC’s dedication to academic excellence. Furthermore, USC offers more nationally ranked graduate programs than all other colleges and universities in South Carolina combined, establishing itself as a leader in higher education within the state.
Broader Context
USC’s consistent performance in national rankings not only highlights the institution’s commitment to educational quality but also indicates its capacity to adapt and improve in an ever-competitive academic landscape. The university’s focus on global experiences, practical training, and interdisciplinary education positions it favorably among peers, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their future endeavors in various fields.
By maintaining a strong emphasis on innovation and excellence, the University of South Carolina continues to set a high standard in graduate education, fostering leaders and skilled professionals equipped to meet the challenges of a globalized world.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Columbia Business Report: USC Program Ranked No. 1
- WLTX: USC’s New Degree Options
- STAT News: Trump Funding Freeze Impact
- Wall Street Journal: Elite Master’s Degrees
- Los Angeles Times: USC Cuts Ties with Online Degree Company
- Wikipedia: University of South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of South Carolina
- Google Search: University of South Carolina
- Google Scholar: University of South Carolina
- Google News: University of South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HERE Hilton Head Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Hilton Head community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Hilton Head Our team includes lifelong Hilton Head residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listings of historic homes 0 , Hilton Head’s Gullah heritage and coastal culture 6 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Technical College of the Lowcountry programs) 10 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and...
