Previous college department rankings based on the evaluations of others in the field are examined for their weaknesses, and the requirements of an adequate institutional ranking system are discussed. (MSE)

While department and program quality rankings could be based on such factors as how well the faculty teach, advise students, and perform service roles, in practice most rankings measuring achievement in graduate departments have been based on faculty research performance of various kinds. (Author/MSE)

Ranking American colleges, universities, and individual departments according to their academic quality is discussed. Six types of methodology used are identified: reputational rankings; faculty awards, honors, and prizes; citations in citation indexes; alumni achievements; scores of entering students on standardized tests; and institutional…

Past and current methods used in academic quality rankings of U.S. colleges and universities are discussed. In addition to a literature and historical review, modern quality rankings are compared with early (pre-1959) rankings, including past rankings of medical, dental, legal and black education. Also considered are the exemplary 1982 evaluation…

Evaluation methods for master's degree programs should be substantially different from those currently used for doctoral degree programs. Three current methods, that of Beverley Hurlbert, that of Jack Gourman, and that using departmental reputations as the major criterion, are insufficient. Elements that should be included in the evaluation are…