<p>For many reasons, we can't put too much stock into the general US News and World Report rankings. But how valuable are the specialized rankings, for lets say, Business or Chemical Engineering, or the like? Do these rankings give a good indication of the strength of specific programs at different schools?</p>
<p>bump. Basically, are the rankings of individual programs on USNWR more reliable than the rankings of national universities (which imo, use random and questionable criteria, but thats a topic for another thread)</p>
<p>Department rankings are based solely on peer review, while the general rankings use a multitude of factors.</p>
<p>Ok thanks. I guess you have to take them with a grain of salt in that case.</p>
<p>well some employees do look at the US News rankings so it is a little bit important</p>
<p>Specialty rankings are not very useful in terms of how to pick what school will give you a marketable degree. When it comes time to apply for jobs, etc., your undergraduate institution as a whole will be judged. After a few years, no one is going to care what your major was or what specialty you focused on in undergrad.</p>
<p>BC may be higher ranked in Education than Harvard, but anyone is going to hire the Harvard grad.</p>