BusinessWeek Ranks USD #29

The University of San Diego now ranks 29th in the nation on BusinessWeek’s 2009 list of the top 50 undergraduate business programs. USD, which has ranked in the top 50 for three years in a row, rose 18 spots this year, the largest jump on the magazine’s list.

USD’s undergrad program is now one of the top three in the state of California, along with the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Southern California. USD was also ranked highest among schools in the West Coast Conference.

USD’s 18 spot rise was due in part to its ranking of 11th this year in corporate recruiter satisfaction with students. USD students also gave faculty an A+ grade, the second year in a row that the school received the highest mark for teaching excellence.

“It is very satisfying to have the hard work we have put into building a world-class business school recognized by BusinessWeek, said USD School of Business Administration Dean David Pyke. “The jump in our ranking reflects the tireless efforts of the entire faculty and staff to deliver on the School of Business Administration’s dual promise of academic excellence and outstanding student service.”

Stephen Standifird, associate dean of the business school, said “We are thrilled that BusinessWeek has recognized our program as one of the best in the country. It’s a testament to the quality of both our students and faculty. We continue to make major strides in a variety of areas, including improvement to facilities, increased focus on career services and continued commitment to excellence in teaching. This ranking by BusinessWeek is a strong endorsement of our efforts to make our undergraduate program one of the premier programs in the country.”

The ranking comes as USD is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2009. “To receive this honor during our anniversary year only adds to the joy and pride we feel in the university’s tremendous accomplishments in such a short period of time,” said USD President Mary E. Lyons.

While there are more than 1,600 business schools in the United States, BusinessWeek only considered schools accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) for inclusion in the ranking. From the list of more than 500 undergraduate business programs with AACSB accreditation, they narrowed the list down to the top 101 schools for inclusion in the ranking.