The University of Central Florida announced on Apr. 7 that it has received high placements in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Graduate Programs Rankings, with 14 programs recognized among the top 50 nationwide. The university highlighted its continued progress in areas such as emergency management, counseling, nursing, and aerospace engineering.
These rankings are significant as they reflect UCF’s focus on faculty excellence and practical training for students entering critical workforce sectors.
UCF’s online emergency and crisis management program was ranked No. 1 nationally for homeland/national security and emergency management graduate programs for the third consecutive year. Associate Professor of Public Administration Yue ‘Gurt’ Ge said, “To maintain the U.S. News No. 1 ranking of graduate programs in homeland security and emergency management is truly a team endeavor.” Ge added that this achievement reflects contributions from faculty, students, alumni, staff members, and advisory board members representing various sectors across Central Florida.
In counselor education, UCF’s College of Community Innovation and Education achieved a No. 9 national ranking for student counseling and personnel services graduate programs. First-year doctoral student Benoit Aubin credited his achievements to a supportive learning environment: “UCF knows how to prepare us to compete professionally,” Aubin said.
The College of Nursing saw its Doctor of Nursing Practice program rise by 34 spots to No. 37 nationally—the highest ranking in its history—reflecting investments in academic rigor and clinical training opportunities with healthcare partners throughout Central Florida. Mimi Alliance ’21 described her experience: “The incredible amount of support I’ve received from UCF’s nursing professors and the opportunities to make an impact through my research and clinical practice solidified that I made the best choice in my graduate degree.”
In technology-driven fields, UCF’s aerospace engineering graduate program was ranked No. 38 nationally by U.S. News & World Report—a recognition tied to growth since launching its doctoral program in 2019 and increased research activity linked to Florida’s Space Coast initiatives such as NASA’s Artemis II launch.
Associate Professor Jeffrey Kauffman said about this progress: “It is gratifying to see the hard work and exciting research of our faculty and students recognized by our peers.”
University officials say these rankings reinforce their commitment to preparing graduates who are ready for complex professional challenges across key industries.
