DePaul’s Place in the National Graduate Landscape
When U.S. News & World Report released its 2024 graduate school rankings on April 1, DePaul University earned three prominent spots. The part‑time MBA program landed at number eight, the health law track slipped into the tenth position, and the intellectual property (IP) program earned the eleventh spot – an achievement that matches a historic Harvard placement in the same category. These rankings, drawn from peer reviews by faculty across the country, carry significant weight for students and administrators alike because they capture perceptions of program quality, faculty expertise, and career outcomes. For DePaul, a university already known as Illinois’ largest provider of master’s degrees, the placements reinforce its reputation as a hub for flexible, career‑focused graduate education.
The 2024 rankings followed a long tradition of rigorous evaluation. U.S. News & World Report solicits anonymous reviews from professors who teach similar programs at other institutions. They assess curriculum design, faculty credentials, research output, student success, and the overall learning environment. After aggregation, the rankings appear in the printed edition of “America’s Best Graduate Schools,” the April 4 magazine issue, and on the U.S. News website. By reflecting peer opinion rather than self‑reported data, the lists provide an external barometer of academic strength.
DePaul’s achievements are part of a broader trend of success for its graduate offerings. The university hosts a wide array of practical programs designed for working professionals, ranging from business and law to public health and technology. The emphasis on applied learning, combined with the flexibility of part‑time and online formats, attracts students who need to balance education with career and family commitments. As a result, DePaul consistently features high in national surveys of graduate program satisfaction, especially among those who value real‑world applicability over purely theoretical study.
Beyond the prestige of rankings, these positions carry tangible benefits. Employers often consult U.S. News rankings when evaluating candidates, assuming that graduates from highly ranked programs bring a certain level of training and knowledge. Students also use rankings to compare programs before applying, especially when deciding between on‑campus and online options. For DePaul, the visibility afforded by the top‑10, top‑15, and top‑24 placements helps attract high‑quality applicants, enhances alumni pride, and strengthens partnerships with industry sponsors who recognize the university’s ability to produce ready‑for‑work talent.
In short, the 2024 U.S. News rankings provide a snapshot of DePaul’s competitive standing in the national graduate arena. The recognitions in business, health law, and IP underscore the university’s commitment to delivering rigorous, career‑oriented education that meets the evolving needs of professionals across Illinois and beyond.
Part‑time MBA: Eleven Years of Top‑10 Consistency
DePaul’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business has maintained its position in the national top‑10 for part‑time MBA programs for 11 consecutive years. That streak, now in its third decade, signals sustained excellence in curriculum design, faculty quality, and student outcomes. The latest ranking places the program at number eight – a slight leap that reflects recent curricular updates and the expanded online course offerings that have broadened access for busy professionals.
The program’s breadth is one of its distinguishing features. With 18 concentrations, students can specialize in areas that align with their career goals – from behavioral finance and real‑estate economics to entrepreneurship and strategy execution. Each concentration integrates theoretical foundations with practical case studies, ensuring that graduates can apply what they learn immediately in their workplaces. For example, the behavioral finance track blends insights from psychology and economics to help managers understand decision‑making biases, while the real‑estate concentration offers modules on market analysis, property valuation, and sustainable development.
Arthur Kraft, dean of Kellstadt, emphasizes the program’s alignment with industry needs. “Our students come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wealth of experience to the classroom,” he says. “The curriculum is designed to build on that experience, offering a blend of foundational business concepts and advanced, specialized knowledge.” Kraft also notes the recent expansion of online courses, which allows participants to access high‑quality instruction from anywhere. The online format does not sacrifice rigor; it simply offers greater flexibility for students who juggle work, family, and study.
The program’s success is also reflected in its alumni network. Graduates often move into leadership roles within their organizations or launch their own ventures, citing the program’s emphasis on real‑world problem solving as a key factor in their career advancement. Employment data released by Kellstadt shows a high placement rate in senior management and consulting roles within six months of graduation, reinforcing the program’s reputation as a launchpad for executive careers.
Beyond rankings, the part‑time MBA program demonstrates DePaul’s broader strategy of adapting to the changing landscape of higher education. The combination of in‑person and online learning modalities, a focus on applied learning, and a curriculum that stays current with industry trends position the program as a model for other business schools seeking to serve working professionals. The program’s consistent top‑10 placement confirms that this approach resonates with students and employers alike.
Health Law and Intellectual Property: Pioneering Legal Excellence
DePaul Law’s health law and intellectual property programs have both earned national recognition, ranking 10th and 11th, respectively, in U.S. News & World Report’s specialty rankings. These placements reflect a sustained commitment to rigorous legal education that prepares students for high‑impact careers in top firms, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
The health law track has long been a specialty of DePaul Law, focusing on the intersection of healthcare policy, regulation, and business. The curriculum covers everything from health policy analysis and Medicare/Medicaid law to bioethics and health informatics. Students have opportunities to engage in clinics, policy research, and internships with hospitals, health plans, and advocacy groups. This hands‑on experience ensures that graduates enter the workforce with a deep understanding of the complexities of healthcare law, making them valuable assets to employers in an industry undergoing rapid transformation.
Glen Weissenberger, dean of DePaul College of Law, highlights the program’s impact on alumni careers. “Our graduates are highly sought after by leading law firms and governmental agencies,” he notes. “They bring a nuanced grasp of health policy and the regulatory landscape, allowing them to advise clients on compliance, risk management, and strategic initiatives.” Weissenberger credits the faculty’s expertise, the demanding curriculum, and the vibrant student culture for the program’s success. He also points to the supportive alumni network, which facilitates mentorship and job placement for recent graduates.
The intellectual property program’s achievement – tied with Harvard for the 11th spot – underscores its national standing. The program offers a mix of core IP courses and electives in patent law, trademark law, copyright, and trade secrets. Students benefit from the university’s strong research centers, such as the Center for Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer, which provide access to cutting‑edge scholarship and industry collaborations. Practical experience is a cornerstone of the curriculum: clinics, mock trials, and internships allow students to draft patent applications, negotiate licensing agreements, and represent clients in IP disputes.
Both programs enjoy robust employment outcomes. Health law graduates often find roles in private practice, regulatory agencies, and in‑house counsel positions at hospitals or pharmaceutical companies. IP law alumni are frequently recruited by large law firms, technology startups, and corporate legal departments. In both cases, the combination of rigorous academics, practical experience, and a supportive faculty community equips students to navigate complex legal landscapes and secure competitive positions.
DePaul’s national recognition in these specialized legal areas reflects the university’s broader mission to offer practical, career‑ready education. By pairing theoretical instruction with real‑world application, the law school ensures that its graduates are not only knowledgeable but also adaptable and ready to tackle the evolving challenges of the legal profession.
