SDSU Ranked in Nation's Top 10 for Bachelor's Degrees Awarded to Minorities
CONTACT: JoAnna Parrino Clark, (619) 594-5204, jpclark@mail.sdsu.edu
SAN DIEGO, Thursday, June 7, 2001 - San Diego State University ranked No. 10 in the nation for bachelor's degrees awarded to minorities during 1999-00 according to Black Issues in Higher Education's latest annual issue devoted to the top 100 colleges for minorities. SDSU awarded 1,980 bachelor's degrees to minority students, which is 38.1 percent of the total degrees awarded during 1999-00.
Nationwide, total number of degrees awarded to minorities has increased 35 percent over the past five years; up from 191,970 degrees awarded in 1993-94 to 259,182 degrees awarded in 1999-00.
"Diversity is part of the culture of SDSU," said SDSU President Stephen L. Weber. "We are proud of the success of our minority students. It demonstrates that SDSU provides a learning atmosphere where students from all backgrounds can achieve their academic goals, and we are dedicated to maintaining and improving that atmosphere."
Institutions appearing on the lists are ranked according to the total number of bachelor's degrees awarded to minority students across all disciplines and in specific disciplines. The rankings are based on analysis of 1999-2000 preliminary data provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
"Implementing the SDSU commitment to diversity is a campus wide effort," said Susan Moss, director at the SDSU Office of Diversity and Equity. "Throughout the college experience - from academic study and personal growth to graduation to alumnus status - diversity is sought, encouraged, supported, discussed and celebrated. Every student, with some effort, can find a kindred soul on this campus to share their journey with."
Several academic programs at SDSU also ranked among the top 25 in the U.S. for bachelor's degrees awarded to minorities:
* No. 7 in Psychology, 187 degrees awarded
* No. 10 in Business Management and Administrative Services, 443 degrees awarded
* No. 13 in Social Sciences and History, 226 degrees awarded
* No. 17 in Mathematics, 20 degrees awarded
* No. 18 in English Language/Literature/Letters, 73 degrees awarded
* No. 25 in Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies, 23 degrees awarded
San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 76 areas, master's degrees in 59 areas and 13 doctoral degrees. Students participate in academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with professors and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.
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