Academic quality rankings of colleges, universities, and individual departments have flourished recently, and Jack Gourman's rankings have had a great impact on U.S. higher education. A study of Gourman's eight books, a comparison of their findings, and a 3-hour interview with Gourman are discussed. (MLW)

All of the major academic quality rankings of American Ph.D.-granting geography departments during 1925-80 are examined, and trends in the universities and regions in which the best Ph.D.-granting geography departments have been located are analyzed. Seven major ratings of geography departments are considered. Reputational rankings were conducted…

Previous college department rankings based on the evaluations of others in the field are examined for their weaknesses, and the requirements of an adequate institutional ranking system are discussed. (MSE)

While department and program quality rankings could be based on such factors as how well the faculty teach, advise students, and perform service roles, in practice most rankings measuring achievement in graduate departments have been based on faculty research performance of various kinds. (Author/MSE)

Evaluation methods for master's degree programs should be substantially different from those currently used for doctoral degree programs. Three current methods, that of Beverley Hurlbert, that of Jack Gourman, and that using departmental reputations as the major criterion, are insufficient. Elements that should be included in the evaluation are…

Three commonly used methodologies for ranking undergraduate and graduate colleges and programs are compared and evaluated. The first is that of Jack Gourman. It uses a scoring system similar to that of the College Board Examinations with scores from 200 to 800, assigned in two areas: one for the strength of academic departments, and one for…