By Pareasa Rahimi
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing maintains its standing as a leader in nursing education as reflected in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report “Best Graduate Schools” rankings. The School’s Master of Science in Nursing ranked No. 11 and the Doctor of Nursing Practice ranked No. 10, up one spot from the previous year. Four graduate specialties also are ranked in the top 10.
"The School’s graduate programs continue to stand out nationally, reflecting the dedication and achievements of our faculty, staff, students and alumni,” said Dean and Fay B. Ireland Endowed Chair Maria R. Shirey, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, ANEF, FACHE, FNAP, FAAN. "As the field of nursing continues to evolve, we remain steadfast in our efforts to adapt and innovate, delivering education that prepares nurse leaders to thrive in an ever-changing environment."
Four of the School’s specialties in the MSN and DNP programs are ranked in the top 10:
- Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner – No. 3
- Master of Science in Nursing Administration – No. 5
- Doctor of Nursing Practice Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – No. 5
- Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner – No. 6
The School’s DNP Nurse Anesthesia Pathway also climbed ten spots to No. 19 and remains the highest ranked program in Alabama. The pathway is one of only seven programs in the nation’s programs with full accreditation status by the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists.
U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on a number of data points as well as a reputational assessment by nursing school deans and deans of graduate studies across the nation. Specialty rankings are based solely upon reputational assessments by these nursing education peers.
The School’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program also is ranked No. 13 in this academic year’s U.S. News & World Report 2025 “Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs” list.
“With several top ranked graduate specialties, our programs reflect a high standard in nursing education," said University Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Linda Moneyham, PhD, RN, FAAN. “Together, we strive to prepare and empower graduates to apply their knowledge in practice and make contributions that improve the health and quality of care for people in their communities.”