Several graduate programs at the University of Arizona earned high marks in the 2019 Best Graduate Schools rankings by U.S. News & World Report, released Tuesday.

"These rankings confirm the University of Arizona's excellence in a broad range of disciplines," said UA President Robert C. Robbins. "We're proud to see many of our graduate programs recognized as among the best in preparing future generations of researchers, scientists, leaders and citizens. Working together, the next generation of UA alumni will be equipped to create innovative solutions to some of the world's biggest challenges."

Each year, U.S. News ranks schools and programs in business, education, engineering, law, nursing and medicine. The rankings in these six areas are based on expert opinions about program excellence and statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school's faculty, research and students. 

Beyond the six disciplines ranked annually, U.S. News also periodically ranks programs in the sciences, social sciences, library sciences, humanities, health and many other areas based solely on the ratings of academic experts. 

The UA Eller College of Management again was recognized for excellence in management information systems, appearing at No. 5 overall. The UA's MIS program trails only the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Minnesota and the University of Texas. Its full-time MBA program was ranked No. 69, while the part-time MBA program tied for 60th. 

The UA's excellence in various science programs was recognized as well, with top-50 appearances for geology (No. 3), earth sciences (tied at No. 8), analytical chemistry (No. 10), atomic/molecular/optical physics (tied at No. 10), geochemistry (No. 11), physics (tied at No.  37), chemistry (tied at No. 41), computer science (tied at No. 43), biology (tied at No. 46) and mathematics (No. 47). This is the first time U.S. News & World Report has updated rankings in these categories since 2014. 

The James E. Rogers College of Law climbed seven spots to No. 41 on the Best Law Schools list, while also ranking 25th for legal writing. 

The UA School of Government and Public Policy tied at No. 34 in the public affairs category — the same ranking it held when the list was last updated in 2016. The UA also came in at No. 19 in public management and leadership. 

The College of Nursing's doctorate in nursing practice ranked No. 28 and its master's program rose two spots to No. 39. 

The College of Education rose six spots to No. 51 among Best Education Schools. 

The College of Engineering ranked No. 58 on the Best Engineering Schools list, with top marks in the subspecialties of biological/agricultural (tied at No. 22), aerospace/aeronautical/astronautical (tied at No. 27), industrial/manufacturing/systems (tied at No. 28), electrical/electronic/communications (No. 32), environmental (tied at No. 36), civil (No. 40), computer (tied at No. 45), materials (tied at No. 50), mechanical (tied at No. 53), biomedical/bioengineering (tied at No. 59) and chemical (No. 72). 

The sociology graduate program tied at No. 24. The graduate program in psychology tied for No. 45. Graduate programs in history (tied at No. 63) and English (tied at No. 77) also were ranked. 

A number of other UA graduate programs appeared on the U.S. News list, but their rankings were not subject to review in 2018. 

Last updated in 2017: 

• Library and information studies: tied at No. 22  

Last updated in 2016: 

• Rehabilitation counseling: tied at No. 6 
• Speech-language pathology: tied at No. 7 
• Audiology: tied at No. 9 
• Higher education: No. 14 
• Pharmacy: No. 16 
• Fine arts: No. 55  

For the full set of rankings and methodology, go to: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools.