The LSU Flores master’s in business administration program was ranked 61 overall in U.S. and World Report’s 2014 “America’s Best Graduate Schools,” jumping 20 spots in the ranking.

Edward Watson, associate dean for graduate programs and director of the Flores MBA program, said the ranking is based on quality, peer and recruiter assessments; placement success and student selectivity.

The report surveyed 448 MBA programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International and of the 448, 140 responded with the appropriate data to determine their full-time MBA ranking.

Watson said the ranking greatly depends on what other programs are doing.

MBA student Justin Wang said even though it is his first year, he feels the program is improving in various aspects, such as developing the distinguished speaker series, implementing group-oriented projects, teamwork and providing technology.

“I feel like the program is really trying to add value to the current students right now,” Wang said.

According to Watson, this year the numbers for peer assessment rose because of the new building.

“When our school is investing in the program, that means a lot,” Watson said.

In a news release, Watson said alumni support helped fund the building, and their support has also helped provide scholarships and mentor students.

Wang said the MBA program is close-knit, and the professors engage the intimate classes.

“It is like high school again. You see everybody every day,” Wang said. “My favorite part is the encouraging teamwork environment.”

Watson said the program was more selective this year.

“We want to make sure we have a healthy cohort, but the best possible cohort,” Watson said.

The next goal for the program is to break into the competitive top 50, Watson said.

“We are a flagship university, so we want to attract the best,” Watson said.

“We are a flagship university, so we want to attract the best.”