Contact: Steve Dolan
SDSU Marketing & Communications
(619) 594-4298, Pager (619) 620-1184
sdolan@mail.sdsu.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SDSU Ranks in Nation's Top 10 for Bachelor's Degrees
Awarded to Minorities

SAN DIEGO, Wednesday, July 3, 2002 - San Diego State University ranked No. 10 in the nation for bachelor's degrees awarded to minorities during 2000-01, according to Black Issues in Higher Education's annual issue devoted to the top 100 colleges for minorities. SDSU awarded 1,880 bachelor's degrees to minority students, which was 37 percent of the total degrees awarded during 2000-01.

"Diversity is an important part of the culture of SDSU," said SDSU President Stephen L. Weber. "We are proud of the success of our minority students. This recognizes SDSU's ongoing efforts to provide a learning atmosphere where students from all backgrounds can achieve their academic goals. 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 2000-01 preliminary data provided by the U.S. Department of Education.

"Implementing the SDSU commitment to diversity is a campus wide effort," Weber said. "Throughout the university experience - from academic study and personal growth to graduation to alumnus status - diversity is sought, encouraged, supported, discussed and celebrated."

Several academic programs at SDSU also ranked among the top 25 in the U.S. for bachelor's degrees awarded to minorities:

• No. 10 in English Language/Literature/Letters, 87 degrees awarded
• No. 12 in Psychology, 160 degrees awarded
• No. 13 in Mathematics, 23 degrees awarded
• No. 14 in Business Management and Administrative Services, 395 degrees awarded
• No. 14 in Social Sciences and History, 227 degrees awarded
• No. 20 in Education, 104 degrees awarded

The complete rankings may be found at www.blackissues.com/062002/.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Founded in 1897, SDSU has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 78 areas, master's degrees in 61 areas and doctorates in 13. SDSU's more than 34,000 students participate in academic curricula distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information log on to www.sdsu.edu.

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