U.S. News and World Report Ranks the William and Mary Undergraduate Business Program Among the Top 50 in Nation

Undergraduate Program also ranks in the Top 25 of public institutions.

WILLIAMSBURG, Va., Aug. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Undergraduate Program at the Mason School of Business at the College of William and Mary is ranked among the Top 50 in the Country, according to U.S. News and World Report's ranking of the best Undergraduate Business Programs for 2011.  It is ranked in the Top 25 among public institutions.

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"While the U.S. News Undergraduate Business Program Ranking is based purely on the opinion of deans and faculty members and not on more objective measures, it is rewarding to know our peers think so highly of our program," said Dean Lawrence B. Pulley.

For the ranking, U.S. News surveyed deans and senior faculty at each undergraduate business program accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.  Business school deans and faculty (two at each business program) were surveyed in spring 2010.

Participants were asked to rate the quality of all programs they are familiar with on a scale of 1 (marginal) to 5 (distinguished). The undergraduate business school rankings are based solely on this peer survey.

William Geary, Assistant Dean of the Undergraduate Business Program, sites the Individual Program of Study (IPS), as one of the reasons for the program's success.

"I believe our high ranking is based in-part on the design of our undergraduate program, which centers on an integrated and innovative curriculum that places our concept of an Individual Program of Study at the heart of our program," said Geary.

The IPS allows students to create a specific course of study that follows their interests, strengths and aspirations in more than one field and multiple areas of business.

In addition, the College of William and Mary ranks 5^th overall in commitment to undergraduate teaching.

"I'm happy to see our faculty recognized for their teaching," said Chris Adkins, Director of the Undergraduate Business Program. Their commitment to our students is remarkable and helps create a collaborative learning community where students develop both their intellect and leadership skills."

The program ranked 42nd overall, 24th among public institutions. To view the full rankings, visit the U.S. News website.

The College of William and Mary, located in Williamsburg, Virginia is one of the nation's premier public universities and believes that excellence in teaching is the key to unlocking intellectual and personal possibilities for students. Dedicated to this philosophy, the College provides high-quality undergraduate, graduate and professional education that prepares students to make significant contributions to the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation.

As the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and educational home to many early American leaders, The College is revered as the "alma mater of a nation." Its Mason School of Business embraces the entrepreneurial spirit with a revolutionary approach to business education that focuses on innovation through its personalized, experiential model. At its core, the Mason School is a welcoming community and invites energetic thinkers with a will to lead in creating a strong sustainable economy and thriving society.

SOURCE The Mason School of Business at The College of William and Mary