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Are you planning to study in the US and curious about where your preferred subjects stand in the ranking of US higher education? Let’s help you explore the comprehensive 2024 university ranking list by subject, released to guide you in choosing the best institutions for your specific academic interests. These QS World Rankings provide crucial insights into the top-performing universities across different subjects.

Top subjects to study in the US for international students

Here are the different subjects that you can consider studying at the top universities in the US according to the QS World Subject Ranking 2024:

Arts & Humanities

  • Linguistics

  • Music

  • Theology, Divinity, and Religious Studies

  • Archaeology

  • Architecture and Built Environment

  • Art and Design

  • Classics and Ancient History

  • English Language and Literature

  • History

  • Art History

  • Modern Languages

  • Performing Arts

  • Philosophy

Engineering and Technology

  • Engineering - Chemical

  • Engineering - Civil and Structural

  • Computer Science and Information Systems

  • Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

  • Engineering - Electrical and Electronic

  • Engineering - Petroleum

  • Engineering - Mechanical

  • Engineering - Mineral and Mining

Life Sciences & Medicine

  • Agriculture and Forestry

  • Anatomy and Physiology

  • Biological Sciences

  • Dentistry

  • Medicine

  • Nursing

  • Pharmacy and Pharmacology

  • Psychology

  • Veterinary Science

Natural Sciences

  • Chemistry

  • Earth and Marine Sciences

  • Environmental Sciences

  • Geography

  • Geology

  • Geophysics

  • Materials Sciences

  • Mathematics

  • Physics and Astronomy

Social Sciences & Management

  • Accounting and Finance

  • Anthropology

  • Business and Management Studies

  • Communication and Media Studies

  • Development Studies

  • Economics and Econometrics

  • Education and Training

  • Hospitality and Leisure Management

  • Law and Legal Studies

  • Library and Information Management

  • Marketing

  • Politics

  • Social Policy and Administration

  • Sociology

  • Sports-Related Subjects

  • Statistics and Operational Research

US university ranking list by subject in 2024

Here is the list of the top 10 US universities by subject according to the QS World Ranking 2024:

Arts & Humanities

University

QS World Ranking 2024

Harvard University

1

Stanford University

4

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

5

Yale University

6

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

7

New York University (NYU)

8

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

8

Columbia University

13

Princeton University

14

University of Chicago

15

Engineering and Technology

University

QS World Ranking 2024

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

1

Stanford University

2

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

5

Harvard University

8

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

9

Georgia Institute of Technology

12

Carnegie Mellon University

16

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

21

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

22

University of Texas at Austin

24

Life Sciences & Medicine

University

QS World Ranking 2024

Harvard University

1

Johns Hopkins University

3

Stanford University

4

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

5

University of California, San Francisco

8

Yale University

11

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

14

Cornell University

15

University of Washington

16

University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

27

Natural Sciences

University

QS World Ranking 2024

Harvard University

1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

2

Stanford University

5

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

6

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

7

Princeton University

10

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

14

Cornell University

20

University of Chicago

21

Columbia University

24

Social Sciences & Management

University

QS World Ranking 2024

Harvard University

1

Stanford University

3

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

4

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

7

Yale University

8

University of Chicago

9

New York University (NYU)

10

Columbia University

11

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

13

University of Pennsylvania

15

How IELTS can help you study at US universities?

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely recognised English proficiency test that plays a crucial role for students aiming to study at universities in the US. Here's how IELTS can help you study at US universities:

  1. Admission requirements: Most universities in the US require international students to demonstrate proficiency in English as part of their admission process. IELTS is accepted by more than 12,000 institutions, employers, and immigration authorities across the US, including top universities.

  2. Visa applications: When applying for a student visa, proof of English proficiency is required. A strong IELTS score can be a significant part of your visa application, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively in an English-speaking environment.

  3. Preparation for academic success: The structure of the IELTS test focuses on all four key language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. This comprehensive approach helps ensure that students are well-prepared for the rigors of academic life, which often involves listening to lectures, reading extensive texts, participating in discussions, and writing essays.

  4. Scholarship opportunities: Some scholarships that are available to international students may require applicants to submit an IELTS score. A high score can boost your chances of receiving financial support.

  5. Integration into campus life: Beyond the classroom, a good command of English as proven by IELTS scores can help international students integrate more smoothly into campus life, participate in student clubs, and engage in social activities.

  6. Long-term benefits: The preparation and skills developed while studying for the IELTS can benefit students well beyond their university years, especially in professional environments where English proficiency is essential.

Overall, achieving a strong IELTS score not only supports your application to US universities but also prepares you for success in your academic and professional future. Also, if you have any questions related to the IELTS test and searching for the answers then you can get in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts will clear all your doubts.

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