UC Santa Barbara has earned the distinction of being among the top 25 colleges and universities in the nation for the number of degrees awarded to Latinos in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The recognition comes from the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization Excelencia in Education and covers the 2009-10 academic year.
The rankings, listed by area of study and degree conferred, placed UCSB at No. 9 for master’s degrees in mathematics and No. 10 for doctoral degrees in mathematics. UCSB was 19th on the list for number of doctoral degrees conferred in the physical sciences. In the bachelor’s degree categories, UCSB ranked No. 10 for mathematics; and No. 11 for physical sciences.
“The STEM graduate programs at UCSB are truly committed to increasing diversity among our student population,” Walter Boggan, Director of Admissions and Outreach for UCSB’s Graduate Division, told the GradPost. “Outreach programs such as the Summer Doctoral Research Institute (SDRI), UC LEADS, and the Academic Research Consortium (ARC) highlight our attempt to foster and support underrepresented students in their scholarly research endeavors. Additionally, these programs help them to achieve their personal and professional goals as undergraduates while preparing them for their next challenge – graduate studies at UCSB. For our Mathematics and Physical Science graduate programs to be ranked in the top 25 is definitely an honor and we, the UCSB community, must continue our strong efforts in the pursuit of diversity.”
Excelencia in Education is a national organization whose aim is to strengthen success in higher education for Latino students by promoting education policies and institutional practices that support their academic development.
For more information, read the UCSB Office of Public Affairs press release.