The University of Alberta remains the top place in Canada to study nursing, according to the 2025 edition of Maclean’s Canadian university program rankings. Strong showings in the education and computer science programs led to the university’s position of sixth in Canada overall.
“Education with purpose is one of the core priorities outlined in Shape: A Strategic Plan of Impact, and we are proud to be recognized for our high-calibre programs,” says U of A president Bill Flanagan. “We will continue to foster an institutional environment dedicated to supporting students with the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to make their mark on the world.”
In addition to the third- and fourth-place rankings in education and computer science, the U of A ranked fifth in Canada for engineering and sixth for business.
Nursing: Shaping the future of health care
One of the university’s globally recognized areas of excellence, health and well-being, is reflected in the designation of the nursing program as best in Canada for both program reputation and research reputation. This is the second consecutive year that the Faculty of Nursing has taken the top spot in the Maclean’s national rankings.
“These rankings galvanize the Faculty of Nursing’s position as a powerhouse in nursing education, research and practice,” says Shannon Scott, dean of the Faculty of Nursing. “They are a testament to the exceptional work being done by our students, faculty members and partners, fuelling our reputation as a global leader in shaping the future of health care.”
More than $2.1 million in funding was awarded to nursing undergraduates in 2023, supporting the next generation of health-care professionals, while research chairs with expertise in everything from pediatric immunizations to aging populations ensure the program’s legacy of 100 years of excellence will continue for decades to come.
In addition to high-quality educators with extensive academic and clinical experience, the program has top-tier resources and facilities, allowing students to build the skills needed to thrive. The Nursing Simulation Centre, for example, gives learners an immersive experience with complex medical situations in a safe environment. This offering equips U of A nursing students with the hands-on knowledge needed to deliver the highest quality care, no matter the context.
“Graduates from our nursing programs are advocates, caregivers, educators and leaders,” says Scott. “Their impact reaches across communities, changing lives and redefining what’s possible in health care.”
Computer science: Leading in artificial intelligence
Since its founding in 1964, the Department of Computing Science has grown to be one of the largest in Canada and is home to several world-leading innovators in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
“The University of Alberta is a leader in the field of computing science, and we are thrilled by this recognition of the strength of our programs and research,” says Declan Ali, dean of the Faculty of Science.
With courses and research opportunities in disciplines including robotics, software engineering and bioinformatics, among many others, the program offers graduates the opportunity to deploy the power of computing to address global issues they’re passionate about, such as driving health-care innovation.
“From leading expertise in the fields of artificial intelligence, machine learning and reinforcement learning to data science techniques for managing staggering volumes of data, our students graduate with industry-ready skills to take on the opportunities in this field to solve pressing challenges,” says Ali.
Education: Teaching future teachers
The U of A’s education program maintained its position of third in Canada, highlighting a trend of ongoing excellence.
“Our continuing recognition as one of the top three faculties of education in Canada is a testament to the quality of our programs and research, and our responsiveness to the way education is evolving in our current provincial, national and global contexts,” says Jennifer Tupper, dean of the Faculty of Education.
The faculty offers an outstanding undergraduate education, including the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program, in which students have the opportunity to connect with elders in the community and learn how to best include Indigenous perspectives in the classroom, as well as a variety of specialized graduate programs.
Researchers within the faculty lead innovative projects that have the potential to shape the future of education, such as Carla Peck’s Thinking Historically for Canada’s Future project, the first comprehensive study in over 50 years analyzing how history is taught nationally. Denise Larsen and Rebecca Hudson Breen’s work on fostering hope in schools is another important research endeavour that seeks to address socio-educational challenges.
“I am so proud and grateful for our wonderful faculty, staff and students, who are true change makers and world shapers through their transformative teaching, research and service,” says Tupper.
Engineering and business: Creating and commercializing innovations
Ranked fifth and sixth in Canada respectively, the U of A’s programs in engineering and business equip future innovators to think outside the box and bring their ideas to market.
Engineering researchers lead projects that identify promising new materials and use drones and AI-powered applications to help humans make more effective decisions in emergencies.
This year, the faculty also launched a new mechatronics and robotics program to solidify Alberta’s position as an international tech hub. The first of its kind in the Prairies, the program integrates robotics, electrical, computer and mechanical engineering, preparing graduates to solve complex challenges in designing, manufacturing and maintaining automated systems.
“This achievement reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the hard work of our students, showcasing our commitment to innovation and excellence in engineering education,” says Simaan AbouRizk, dean of the Faculty of Engineering.
“This recognition will continue to inspire our efforts to grow and improve, ensuring we remain at the forefront of engineering education for years to come.”
The U of A’s business school prepares future leaders through a bachelor of commerce program with majors from entrepreneurship and innovation to international business, along with a variety of MBA offerings and a PhD program that marked its 40th anniversary this year.
“This achievement reflects the dedication and innovative spirit of our faculty, staff and students. At the Alberta School of Business, we are committed to providing transformative educational experiences that prepare our graduates to lead in a rapidly changing world,” says Vikas Mehrotra, dean of the Alberta School of Business.
“As we look to the future, we remain focused on enhancing experiential learning opportunities, expanding our research impact and fostering the next generation of business leaders who will drive meaningful change across industries.”
First published in 1990, the Maclean’s annual university rankings identify the top institutions in the categories of undergraduate, comprehensive and medical doctoral education. The U of A was ranked in the medical doctoral category, which rates research-intensive institutions that offer doctoral programs in a wide variety of fields.