In rankings released by Eduniversal, the University’s E.J. Ourso College of Business found two of its master’s programs in the top 40 programs in North America, according to a news release.

Eduniversal announced Tuesday the top 4,000 masters programs for 30 majors.

E.J. Ourso College of Business Public Administration Institute’s Master of Public Administration ranked No. 19, and the University’s Master of Science in Finance ranked No. 40, according to the release.

This is the second year PAI has been placed in the same spot.

PAI Director Jim Richardson said what makes the PAI unique is its small, dedicated faculty and excellent student placement.

“We are part of the LSU brand,” Richardson said.

He said it is “nice” to be recognized worldwide, and it’s always “better to be high than low.”

Richardson said the Master of Public Administration is a graduate program of students who want to go into public service orientation, such as federal, state, local and nonprofit organizations. He said students are not limited to that field, though.

“The LSU MPA has built a reputation over 40 years,” Richardson said in the release. “Our graduates are holding top positions in various levels of government, not for-profit organizations and private industry.”

According to the release, Eduniversal rankings are based on program reputation, career prospects and salary level of first employment after graduation and satisfactory feedback from students.

PAI offers a 42-hour degree program that stresses financial and management skills for those who want to lead public agencies and other organizations, according to the release.

Richardson said the PAI has been around since 1984, but the MPA is celebrating its 40th anniversary.