DENTON (UNT), Texas – U.S. News and World Report has named two concentrations in the University of North Texas College of Health and Public Service (HPS) number one in Texas on its 2021 list of Best Graduate Schools – local government management, and homeland security and emergency management.

“These rankings show our college's continued dedication to excellence and to providing our students with a top-tier education,” said Dr. Nicole Dash, dean of the college. “While we know rankings aren't everything, it's always an honor to have outside entities recognize our achievements."

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program specialization in local government management is ranked no. 12 in the nation and it is also ranked in the public financing and budgeting category, where it sits at no. 31. 
“The UNT MPA program is proud to again be recognized as one of the top degrees in the nation. With a placement rate consistently above 90 percent for graduates and a long list of leaders in municipal governments and nonprofits, our alumni and students represent the best in public service,” said Dr. Brian Collins, chair of the Department of Public Administration. “We look forward to the future and new initiatives such as the George R. Schrader Professorship of Practice in Local Government that will provide the leadership, innovation and energy to keep North Texas one of the best places to live, to work and to receive a superior education in public management and leadership.”

UNT has long been a pioneer in emergency management education, having established the nation’s first bachelor’s degree program in 1983. Today, UNT offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the Department of Emergency Management and Disaster Science and an emergency management specialty in the MPA program within the Department of Public Administration. This year, HPS ranked no. 7 in the nation in the homeland security and emergency management category.

“These rankings reflect the prominent role UNT continues to play nationally in advancing the science of disasters and preparing the next generation of emergency management professionals,” said Dr. Gary Webb, chair of the Department of Emergency Management and Disaster Science.

For more information on the UNT College of Health and Public Service and any of its degree programs, visit hps.unt.edu.