According to a higher-education magazine, Southern Methodist University’s engineering school is among the most diverse in the country.

Diverse magazine used statistics from surveys conducted in 2003-2004 and preliminary information from the 2004-2005 school year to compile a list of the universities with the highest rates of master’s degrees awarded to blacks. SMU is tied for fourth on the list with 20 students in its program. The list is part of an annual special report focusing on minorities in higher education, both graduate and undergraduate. Georgia Tech, NC State, Old Dominion and the University of Michigan round out the top five.

In April, SMU was the first university from Texas to receive the Exemplary Voluntary Efforts Award from the U. S. Department of Labor. The award is given to federal contractors who have put forth a significant effort to increase minority employment through equal opportunity programs. The award, which has been given out for more than 20 years, has only been received by a handful of universities. “The Eve Award reflects SMU’s dedication to a diverse workforce and student body,” said President Gerald Turner. in a press release. “We are proud to be the first university in the state to win this honor, and we look forward to our continuing progress.”