Supply Chain, Business Analytics Rise in U.S. News and World Report Undergrad Rankings

September 11, 2021

Two programs in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business were recognized as best-in-class contenders in the 2022 U.S. News and World Report Best Undergraduate Business Programs rankings released today. Haslam’s supply chain management program ranked at No. 3 both nationally and among public universities, while business analytics debuted at No. 11 among public schools in its first appearance in the rankings and seventeenth nationally. Additionally, the college’s accounting and information management department is 28th among publics.

“Seeing our supply chain management, business analytics and accounting and information management programs receive recognition in this way is a clear indicator that our students are being well prepared in some of the fastest growing areas of business,” said Stephen Mangum, dean and Stokely Foundation Leadership Chair.

Among public schools, Haslam’s overall business undergraduate program ranked 30th this year. Lane Morris, associate dean of undergraduate studies and student affairs, and the Ergen Professor in Business, noted that the rankings continue to indicate forward momentum in the college. “We take a long-term view at Haslam. When we examine the data points, we want to see positive trends. Are our students being hired at greater rates and across a wider geography of firms? Are they able to fulfill their study abroad needs during difficult circumstances? Are our retention and graduation rates improving? The answer to all of these questions – and to whether the Haslam College of Business is a top-quality school – is a resounding yes.”

U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on the judgment of deans and senior faculty at peer institutions. In spring and summer of 2021, U.S. News surveyed deans and senior faculty at the 514 business schools accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business to determine the standings. Respondents were asked to rate the quality of programs with which they were familiar on a scale from one to five, with five being distinguished. Additional weighted data included a wide range of metrics including retention and graduation rates, faculty resources, alumni giving and more.

Mike Galbreth, head of the Department of Business Analytics and Statistics, and Pilot Corporation Chair of Excellence, said the top 11 ranking among public universities in his discipline is welcomed news for a program long considered by faculty and peers to be a too well-kept secret.

“Not only does this ranking of business analytics programs by U.S. News put Haslam within reach of a top 10 slot, but it also establishes us as the No. 1 program in the Southeastern Conference and No. 2 in the entire Southeast,” Galbreth said. “We are pleased and grateful to see the hard work of our faculty, the excellence of our curriculum and the caliber of our students being recognized in this way.”

CONTACT:

Scott McNutt, business writer/publicist, rmcnutt4@utk.edu