The Growing Role of Arts and Humanities in Global Education Rankings
The ongoing discussion about the “crisis” in humanities has not dampened its significance in elite institutions. The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2025 highlights the importance of arts and humanities, alongside other disciplines. This article explores how universities are performing globally, with a focus on shifts in rankings, regional developments, and the role of arts and humanities in higher education.
MIT Leads the Way in Arts and Humanities
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has achieved a major milestone by becoming the top-ranked university for arts and humanities. Known for its excellence in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), MIT’s success in the arts is a testament to its interdisciplinary approach.
Reasons for MIT’s Success
- High Research Quality: MIT received excellent scores in research, showing its dedication to producing impactful studies.
- Global Outlook: The institution’s strong international collaborations have boosted its reputation worldwide.
- Diverse Disciplines: Balancing STEM and arts has helped MIT climb to second place in the overall World University Rankings 2025.
This development also reflects a growing recognition of the importance of humanities in addressing societal challenges and fostering intellectual diversity.
How Other Universities Performed Globally
While MIT shined in arts and humanities, other universities also showed dominance in different fields:
Top-Ranked Universities by Subject
- Stanford University: Ranked first in education studies, law, and psychology.
- Harvard University: Led in engineering and life sciences.
- University of Oxford: Secured top spots in computer science and medical/health studies.
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech): Dominated physical sciences.
Asian Universities on the Rise
Asian institutions are improving their positions in global rankings, particularly in business and economics:
- Peking University and Tsinghua University reached 4th and 6th place, respectively, in business and economics.
- National University of Singapore (NUS): NUS made history by entering the top 10 in physical sciences.
Although these achievements are significant, Asian universities still lag in arts and humanities, with many placing outside the top 25.
Challenges for Arts and Humanities in Asia
Experts like Futao Huang of Hiroshima University believe that structural and political factors are holding back the growth of arts and humanities in Asia.
Key Challenges
- Prioritization of STEM: Many governments prioritize funding for STEM fields over humanities.
- Restrictive Policies: Limited academic freedom has impacted research quality in humanities.
- Language Barriers: Humanities disciplines often rely on works written in English, making it harder for non-English-speaking regions to compete.
Despite these challenges, there are positive signs of progress. In 2021, only 9% of arts and humanities institutions in the top 750 rankings were from Asia. By 2025, this figure has grown to 16%.
Proposed Solutions for Growth
- Increase government funding for humanities programs.
- Foster academic freedom and encourage open research.
- Treat arts and humanities as equal to STEM disciplines in national education strategies.
The Importance of Arts and Humanities in World-Class Institutions
Many experts argue that strong arts and humanities programs are essential for any university aiming to achieve global excellence.
Why Humanities Matter
- Interdisciplinary Research: Humanities contribute to solving global challenges through collaboration with other fields.
- Cultural Understanding: They promote intellectual diversity and enrich societies.
- Balanced Education: Humanities help produce well-rounded graduates who can think critically and creatively.
For instance, Hillsdale College and Baylor University are renowned for their commitment to the humanities. These institutions emphasize the value of classical education, liberal arts, and interdisciplinary learning, which aligns with the growing demand for well-rounded graduates.
Signs of Change in Global Rankings
There is evidence that universities in Europe and North America are no longer the sole leaders in humanities. In 2025, their representation in the top 750 arts and humanities rankings dropped from 80% to 70%.
Asian institutions are steadily gaining ground, showing the potential for a more balanced global academic environment in the future. To accelerate this progress, policymakers and institutions must continue to invest in humanities education.
The Future of Arts and Humanities in Higher Education
The arts and humanities are regaining their rightful place in global education rankings, as seen with MIT’s leadership and the rise of Asian universities. While challenges remain, particularly in regions like Asia, there is growing recognition of the value of humanities in addressing societal challenges, fostering creativity, and producing global leaders.
Institutions like Hillsdale College and Baylor University show how the humanities can thrive alongside STEM disciplines, creating a balanced educational experience. By investing in research, promoting international collaboration, and addressing policy barriers, universities worldwide can ensure the continued growth of arts and humanities.
