College of Science earns top 10 ranking among public universities in physical sciences in latest Times Higher Education ranking
Physical sciences disciplines assessed in the subject rankings include chemistry, physics and astronomy, mathematics and statistics, and geology, environmental, earth and marine sciences.
The University of Arizona College of Science continues to strengthen its global reputation for excellence in the physical sciences, earning top marks in the latest Times Higher Education rankings.
The U of A is ranked No. 45 globally in the physical sciences in Times Higher Education’s 2026 World University Rankings by Subject. The ranking represents a five-spot improvement worldwide from last year. Nationally, the U of A ranks No. 20 in the United States (up four spots from 2025) and No. 8 among U.S. public colleges and universities (up three spots) in the physical sciences.
The U of A’s continued rise in the global rankings reflects strong performance across key evaluation pillars, including research quality, which assesses citation impact as well as research strengths, excellence and influence, as well as industry engagement, measured by income from industry partnerships and patents.
“This recognition speaks to the depth and breadth of excellence across the University of Arizona’s physical science programs,” said Dr. Carmala Garzione, dean of the College of Science. “Our continued rise in the global rankings reflects a culture of collaboration and innovation that drives meaningful discovery. We are proud of the faculty, staff, and students whose work continues to elevate the university’s impact across the globe.”
This year’s Times Higher Education rankings assessed institutions from more than 100 countries and territories using 18 performance indicators spanning teaching, research, industry engagement and international outlook. Physical sciences disciplines assessed in the Times Higher Education subject rankings include chemistry, physics and astronomy, mathematics and statistics, and geology, environmental, earth and marine sciences.
The 2026 subject rankings methodology draws on millions of research publications and citations, along with global academic reputation surveys, to provide a comprehensive assessment of excellence in physical sciences education and research.