University of Oregon graduate programs in education and law specialty programs are among the top in the country, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Grad Schools 2024.

The UO College of Education’s special education program is ranked No. 3 in the nation for the 25th year in a row and is No. 2 among public schools. The special education program’s success is boosted in part due to the college’s accomplished faculty, national reputation and record-high year in funded research: $57.36 million. 

“The special education program allows students to learn from leading researchers,” said Laura Lee McIntyre, dean of the College of Education. “Our faculty are pushing the field forward to improve the lives of children and families, and students are actively engaged in the process through coursework, applied practice and research. Graduates of the program are highly sought after, future leaders in the field.” 

The University of Oregon School of Law is the only Pacific Northwest law school to boast three top-ranked specialty programs. Oregon Law’s Legal Research and Writing Program leads the way at No. 1. This is the second year the school holds the top spot alone and marks the 17th consecutive year in the top 10 nationally. 

“Our LRW faculty at Oregon Law are leaders and innovators with national recognition,” said Suzanne Rowe, James L. and llene R. Hershner Professor and director of legal research and writing. “Our faculty earn awards for teaching and service, lead national organizations and scholarly journals, and publish important books and articles. The LRW program is proud to continue its long tradition, since 1978, of preparing students for real-world legal practice. 

Oregon Law’s Environmental and Natural Resources Law Center continues a legacy of leadership in environmental law, receiving the No. 7 ranking in the nation, up two spots from the previous year. 

“Motivated by our accomplishments, our shared aspirations, and our sense of urgency,  our community is excited to be recognized for our focus on problem-solving and accelerating meaningful change across legal and environmental fields,” said Mary Wood, Philip H. Knight Professor of Law and faculty director for the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Center.

Oregon Law’s Appropriate Dispute Resolution Program is No. 11. For more than 20 years, the award-winning Appropriate Dispute Resolution Center has maintained a national reputation by providing students with an educational experience that emphasizes skillful management of disputes, deals and decision-making.  

“To continue to be named a top dispute resolution program is a testament to our expert faculty leading the way in developing innovative approaches in and outside the classroom,” said Jennifer Reynolds, Orlando John and Marian H. Hollis Professor of Law, associate dean for academic affairs, and faculty director for the Appropriate Dispute Resolution Center. “Our commitment to excellent teaching and skills-based learning helps our students manage complex interactions insides and outside traditional legal settings.” 

To see a complete list, visit the U.S. News & World Report website of the rankings. This year’s list was released April 9. 

— By Molly Blancett, University Communications