Mathematics Ranking - Top 40 in the World

Princeton University’s consistent dominance in global mathematics rankings underscores its longstanding tradition of academic excellence in the field. According to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2013, Princeton was ranked first in the world for Mathematics, a position it has maintained due to its remarkable blend of cutting-edge research, top-tier faculty, and rigorous academic programs. This top ranking reflects Princeton’s leadership in mathematical research, where contributions from its faculty and alumni continue to shape the field across various branches of mathematics. Following Princeton in the ARWU 2013 rankings were Harvard University in second place and the University of California, Berkeley in third, two other universities that have consistently demonstrated outstanding performance in the field of mathematics and continue to lead globally.

Princeton’s number one ranking in the ARWU is a testament to its deep commitment to research and education in mathematics. The university’s Department of Mathematics is renowned for its research in pure and applied mathematics, including areas such as algebraic geometry, number theory, and topology. Princeton has produced several Nobel laureates and Fields Medalists, further solidifying its position as a leader in the field. Its low student-to-faculty ratio ensures that students receive personalized attention, allowing them to engage deeply with mathematical problems and research. Additionally, Princeton’s interdisciplinary approach to mathematics, which encourages collaboration between its mathematics department and other departments such as physics and computer science, facilitates a rich and stimulating academic environment. The university’s commitment to fostering an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity and creativity enables its students and faculty to tackle some of the most profound and complex mathematical challenges.

Harvard University, ranked second in the ARWU 2013, is another institution with a strong tradition in mathematical research and education. Harvard’s Department of Mathematics is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world, and it offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs that provide a solid foundation in both pure and applied mathematics. The department’s faculty includes numerous renowned mathematicians who have made groundbreaking contributions to the field. Harvard’s mathematical research spans many areas, including number theory, algebra, geometry, and analysis. Its emphasis on theoretical rigor, as well as practical application, ensures that students are well-prepared for a wide variety of careers in academia, industry, and government. Harvard’s success in the ARWU rankings also reflects its significant resources, its interdisciplinary approach to education, and its role in advancing mathematical research through collaborations with other scientific disciplines. The university’s commitment to mathematical excellence continues to attract top students and researchers from around the world, making it a highly desirable destination for anyone interested in the field of mathematics.

The University of California, Berkeley, ranked third in the ARWU 2013, is another prestigious institution known for its excellence in mathematics. Berkeley’s Department of Mathematics has a reputation for producing world-class research in a variety of mathematical disciplines, including algebraic geometry, mathematical logic, and mathematical physics. The department’s faculty members include numerous prominent figures in the mathematics community, many of whom have received international recognition for their contributions. Berkeley’s collaborative research environment fosters innovation, with faculty members working closely with students to solve some of the most difficult problems in mathematics. In addition to its strength in pure mathematics, the university is also recognized for its emphasis on applied mathematics, particularly in areas such as statistical mechanics, computational mathematics, and financial mathematics. Berkeley’s location in the heart of California’s Bay Area also gives students access to a wealth of opportunities in the tech industry, where advanced mathematical skills are in high demand.

While American institutions like Princeton, Harvard, and Berkeley dominate the global mathematics rankings, Europe is also home to several prestigious universities with strong mathematical programs. Notably, four European institutions were ranked in the global top 10 for mathematics in the ARWU 2013. Two of these universities are from the United Kingdom, and two are from France, which speaks to the strength of the European academic system and its contributions to the field of mathematics.

The University of Cambridge, ranked No. 4 globally in the ARWU 2013, is the highest-ranked UK institution for mathematics. Cambridge has a long and storied history in the field, with mathematicians such as Isaac Newton, G.H. Hardy, and Andrew Wiles among its illustrious alumni. The university’s Department of Mathematics is internationally recognized for its research in pure and applied mathematics, with faculty members making significant contributions to fields such as algebraic geometry, number theory, and mathematical logic. The university’s mathematical programs are characterized by their rigorous academic standards and their emphasis on research-driven teaching. Cambridge’s students benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention, and the opportunity to engage with some of the brightest minds in the field. The university’s emphasis on fundamental mathematical principles, along with its focus on cutting-edge research, continues to attract top-tier students and researchers from around the world. Cambridge’s commitment to excellence in mathematics is evident not only in its academic achievements but also in the success of its alumni, many of whom go on to become leaders in academia, industry, and government.

Following Cambridge in the UK rankings is the University of Oxford, ranked No. 2 in the UK and No. 7 globally for mathematics in the ARWU 2013. Like Cambridge, Oxford has a rich history of excellence in mathematics, dating back centuries. The university’s Mathematical Institute offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in mathematics, with a particular emphasis on both theoretical and applied mathematics. Oxford is known for its strong focus on mathematical logic, number theory, and topology, and its research output consistently ranks among the best in the world. Oxford’s faculty members include some of the most respected mathematicians in the world, many of whom have made groundbreaking contributions to their respective fields. The university’s rigorous academic programs, combined with its tradition of research excellence, make it a top choice for students interested in pursuing a career in mathematics. Oxford’s emphasis on small-group teaching, which allows students to engage closely with their professors, is a key feature of the academic experience and contributes to the university’s strong reputation in the field of mathematics.

In addition to the UK institutions, the ARWU 2013 also ranked two universities from France in the top 10 for mathematics, reflecting the strong mathematical traditions in the country. These institutions, the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) and the University of Paris-Sud, are renowned for their research output and their contributions to mathematics. The ENS, located in Paris, is particularly known for its rigorous training in pure mathematics, and it has produced many leading mathematicians who have contributed to the advancement of mathematical thought. Similarly, the University of Paris-Sud is recognized for its research in areas such as algebra, topology, and mathematical physics, with many faculty members having received international acclaim for their work. The global rankings for mathematics in the ARWU 2013 demonstrate the international reach of the field and highlight the diverse contributions made by universities across the world. While American institutions like Princeton, Harvard, and Berkeley continue to dominate the rankings, European universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, and institutions in France also play a significant role in shaping the future of mathematics. The strong showing of these universities reflects not only their academic rigor and research output but also their ability to attract some of the brightest minds from around the world. The global competitiveness of mathematics departments continues to push the boundaries of mathematical research and ensures that the discipline remains at the forefront of scientific and technological advancements.

Academic Ranking of World Universities in Mathematics (top 40):
1 Princeton University
2 Harvard University
3 University of California, Berkeley
4 University of Cambridge
5 Pierre and Marie Curie University - Paris
6 Stanford University
7 University of Oxford
8 University of Paris Sud (Paris 11)
9 Massachusetts Institute of Technology
10 University of California, Los Angeles
11 University of Wisconsin - Madison
12 University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
13 New York University
14 University of Chicago
15 Texas A&M University - College Station
16 The University of Texas at Austin
17 The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
18 Kyoto University
19 University of California, San Diego
20 University of Washington
21 University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
22 King Abdulaziz University
23 University of Paris Dauphine (Paris 9)
24 Georgia Institute of Technology
24 University of Maryland, College Park
26 Cornell University
27 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey - New Brunswick
28 Yale University
29 Columbia University
30 University of Bonn
31 Northwestern University
32 Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich
33 Tel Aviv University
34 University of California, Davis
35 California Institute of Technology
36 Moscow State University
37 University of Geneva
38 Carnegie Mellon University
39 Duke University
40 The Chinese University of Hong Kong
40 University of Colorado at Boulder