DENTON, Texas (UNT) -- The rehabilitation counseling program in the College of Public Affairs and Community Service at the University of North Texas has been ranked 15th in the nation in the U.S. News & World Report's newly released 2016 guidebook of Best Graduate Schools.

"The national reputation of the rehabilitation counseling program at UNT remains consistently strong," said Dean Tom Evenson. "The fact that the UNT master's program is consistently ranked among the top programs, most of which include doctoral programs, speaks of its high standards and the quality of faculty and students."

Consistently listed as a top program in the state, the UNT division of rehabilitation counseling offers students the chance to learn from national and international experts in the field. Designed to meet the requirements for rehabilitation counselor national certification, as well as professional counselor licensure by the State of Texas, students receive an expansive education in serving individuals with physical, mental, developmental, cognitive and emotional disabilities. The program is nationally accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education.

The U.S. News & World Report 2016 Best Graduate Schools rankings were released online March 10 (Tuesday). The Best Graduate Schools 2016 guidebook will be available at usnews.com/store in early March and on newsstands April 7.

About the UNT College of Public Affairs and Community Service

With seven academic departments and several centers, institutes and professional programs, the College of Public Affairs and Community Service is a resource for community issues in Texas. Graduates in the college are prepared for a variety of careers in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, and alumni are found working in a wide range of settings, including the Federal Emergency Management Administration, Child Protective Services, the Peace Corps, the Texas Youth Commission and the U.S. Department of State.