Texas Tech engineering, law climb in graduate rankings

According to university officials, Texas Tech University improved its ranking in several disciplines in the recently released 2026–2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Programs rankings, highlighting gains in academic quality and workforce-focused education.

The Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering made the biggest leap, moving up 12 places to No. 105 overall. Petroleum engineering, ranked No. 8 for the third consecutive year, led seven engineering programs that made it to the top 100.

According to Mark Sheridan, dean of the Graduate School, "Graduate education is essential for innovation and for meeting the demands of a highly skilled workforce." "These rankings demonstrate the increasing caliber of our graduate programs and Texas Tech's influence on innovation and bolstering the state and national economies."

Industrial, manufacturing, and systems engineering ranked 50, chemical engineering 67, environmental engineering 77, electrical and computer engineering 80, civil engineering 92, and mechanical engineering 93, among other engineering specialties.

The School of Law at Texas Tech also made progress, ranking 85th overall and in the top half of all law schools assessed. Recognition was given to 13 specialty programs, some of which were improving each year. Trial advocacy ranked first at number 31, followed by tax law (number 71), legal writing (number 57), and dispute resolution (number 59). Other ranked areas included clinical training, criminal law, environmental law, intellectual property law, and business law.

The College of Education was ranked among the top three education institutions in Texas and remained in the top third nationally at No. 84, demonstrating ongoing consistency in academic research and teacher preparation.

In addition, Texas Tech received rankings in public affairs (No. 140), business (No. 105), and part-time MBA (No. 98). This year, U.S. News expanded the scope of graduate program comparisons by introducing new rankings across disciplines like biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics, statistics, and fine arts.

Founded in 1933 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., U.S. News & World Report releases yearly rankings intended to serve as a guide for students, legislators, and corporate executives. According to the organization, its methodology assesses factors such as research activity, faculty resources, and peer evaluation.

According to university officials, the most recent rankings show that Texas Tech's efforts to increase graduate offerings and match programs with industry and labor demands will continue.