MIT tops Times Higher Education rankings in business and economics, holds second place in arts and humanities
MIT Soars High in THE World University Rankings
Once again, MIT triumphs in the 2019 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, claiming the No. 1 spot in Business and Economics and the No. 2 spot globally for Arts and Humanities. This prestigious recognition speaks volumes about MIT's commitment to excellence in various fields.
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings is a coveted annual publication by a leading British education magazine that evaluates schools based on 13 rigorous performance indicators, such as teaching, research, and international outlook.
Business and Economics — A Winning Combination
MIT's success in the Business and Economics category is a result of the combined might of the MIT Department of Economics, housed in the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (SHASS), and the MIT Sloan School of Management. This blend of economics, management, and business studies create a powerful synergy that sets MIT apart.
Dean Melissa Nobles of SHASS expressed her delight at the recognition, warmly congratulating her colleagues at MIT Sloan. Meanwhile, David Schmittlein, dean of MIT Sloan, shared the honor, emphasizing the collaboration between the two departments.
The Business and Economics ranking evaluated 585 universities worldwide, with MIT ranking ahead of Stanford University and Oxford University in this competitive category.
MIT's reputation as a leader in economics stretches back over a century, with the Department of Economics at MIT playing a dominant role in economics education, research, and public service. Over the years, the department's faculty have earned a total of nine Nobel Prizes for their groundbreaking work.
Arts and Humanities — A Colorful Palette
In the Arts and Humanities category, MIT secured a ranking just below Stanford and above Harvard University. This impressive performance is a testament to the strength of humanities disciplines and performing arts in MIT SHASS and design fields and humanistic work in MIT's School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P).
The humanities and arts programs at MIT SHASS, including literature, history, music and theater arts, linguistics, philosophy, and more, form a strong foundation. Meanwhile, initiatives within SA+P in the arts, architecture, design, urbanism, and theory contribute to a vibrant arts and humanities environment.
The Media Lab, located within SA+P, focuses on unconventional research in technology, media, science, art, and design, further enhancing MIT's capabilities in the arts and humanities.
Hashim Sarkis, dean of SA+P, hailed the recognition as a confirmation of the importance of creativity and human values in the advancement of science and technology. He also noted that it rewards MIT's longstanding commitment to art, as the words "The Arts" are inscribed in the Lobby 7 dome.
Dean Nobles emphasized that the university's success in multiple categories, including Business and Economics and the Arts and Humanities, is a testament to MIT's model that fosters cross-disciplinary thinking.
"The world's complex issues are not only scientific and technological problems; they are as much human and ethical problems," Nobles said. "At MIT, we know that solving challenging problems requires the combined insight and knowledge from many fields."
Insights
- MIT's high rankings can be attributed to several key factors, including its holistic excellence, interdisciplinary approach, world-class research, cutting-edge resources, strong industry and alumni networks, global reputation, and commitment to innovation and impact
- The university's reputation transcends STEM fields, with significant investments in arts, humanities, and social sciences
- MIT emphasizes real-world problem-solving and innovation across all faculties, addressing pressing global challenges in all academic disciplines
[1] Recognition in Multiple Categories: https://news.mit.edu/2019/times-higher-education-world-university-rankings-2019-0515[2] Business and Economics: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2019/subject-ranking/business-economics-and-management[3] Arts and Humanities: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2019/subject-ranking/arts-and-humanities[4] Overall Excellence and Factors Behind MIT’s High Rankings: https://www.mit.edu/about/facts-and-figures/mit-world-rankings[5] Cutting-edge Resources and Facilities: https://libraries.mit.edu/about-us/services-and-resources
- The MIT Department of Economics, in the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (SHASS), and the MIT Sloan School of Management collaborate to produce robust research in business and economics, elevating MIT's global ranking.
- The faculty at MIT, particularly in the Department of Economics, has been awarded nine Nobel Prizes for groundbreaking work, contributing to MIT's esteemed reputation in the field of education and self-development.
- The Arts and Humanities category ranking acknowledges the strength and vibrancy of humanities disciplines and performing arts in MIT SHASS, and design fields and humanistic work in MIT's School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P).
- The Media Lab, part of SA+P, contributes to MIT's arts and humanities environment by focusing on unconventional research in technology, media, science, art, and design.
- MIT's alumni network plays a vital role in fostering career development by providing strong industry connections, contributing to the university's overall success and personal growth.
- MIT's commitment to innovation and impact is evident in its emphasis on problem-solving across all faculties, addressing pressing global challenges in education, technology, science, and the public sector.
- The university's online education platforms offer skills training, contributing to the growth and advancement of society by ensuring equitable access to education.
- In its pursuit of excellence, MIT balances the demands of rigorous research with a focus on teaching, creating a nurturing learning environment that supports both faculty and students.
- The university's interdisciplinary approach to education and research transforms the story of science and technology education, integrating humanistic and creative elements to develop well- rounded individuals capable of tackling complex, real-world problems.
- By consistently ranking among the world's top universities in various categories, MIT demonstrates its ongoing commitment to education, personal growth, and the betterment of society through cutting-edge science, technology, and education-and-self-development initiatives.