Required College Reading List for 2025: Books Students at the Top US Colleges Read

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Every college course requires students to read a certain number of books or other literary works. The majority of curricula, if not all, are built around one or more of these books, given the mind’s huge capacity to store memories as explored by the information processing model of memory. A required college reading list as a whole reflects a university’s scholarly climate. Examining the required humanities and philosophy texts in the top U.S. colleges makes it especially clear.

To understand the impact of required readings on students’ academic training, the Open Syllabus Project (OSP) gathered copious amounts of data. Leaders across industries are frequently produced by top universities. As a result, investigating the body of literature they read in college is a fascinating look at their intellectual growth and how it affected them today.

This article examines the required reading list at some of the top U.S. colleges. It will also highlight the OSP and its purpose.

Required Readings at Top U.S. Colleges: Table of Contents

1. What are the most-read books in top U.S. colleges?
2. The Evolution of Reading Lists in Online and Hybrid Degree Programs
3. Books Read in Ivy League Schools vs. Other Universities
4. What Factors Determine the Relevance of a Required Reading List?
5. About the Open Syllabus Project
6. Role of Digital Resources and Online Platforms
7. How do academic libraries and digital literacy initiatives shape required college reading lists?
8. How Do Required Reading Lists Impact Accelerated Academic Success?
9. What emerging challenges shape the future of required reading lists?
10. How can student feedback and analytics optimize required reading lists?
11. How can required reading lists be tailored to support interdisciplinary skills and career readiness?
12. How do required reading lists influence advanced academic and career trajectories?

What are the most-read books in top U.S. colleges?

The college literature reading list for students eyeing a bachelor’s degree in philosophy or other related fields could expect a more extensive list than the rest. Some of the most popular titles on the OSP are humanities and philosophy. This is unsurprising as science and engineering courses tend to assign fewer books. Interestingly, most assigned books are written by authors from the West.

The university reading list varies in each institution. While this depends on the number of courses that require them, it also shows how each HEI develops its syllabus. Here are the most popular required reading books in top U.S. universities.

Letter from the Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King, Jr. (Harvard)

The Letter from the Birmingham Jail, also known as The Negro is Your Brother, serves as an open letter to the public. It highlights the moral responsibility of people to break unjust laws. The work also talks about why the public needs to take direct action instead of waiting for justice to arrive through the courts (King, 2001). Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote it as a response to A Call for Unity during the Birmingham campaign. It became a significant text for the American Civil Rights Movement.

It is commonly assigned in the following courses/subjects (in order of appearance in various syllabi):

• English Literature
• Political Science
• History
• Philosophy
• Religion
• Law
• Social Work
• Theology
• Sociology
• Media and Communications

The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order by Samuel P. Huntington (Princeton, Columbia)

In The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World, Samuel P. Huntington argues that wars are not fought between countries but between cultures. The book is an expansion of his thesis and serves as a response to Francis Fukuyama’s The End of History and the Last Man. In his work, Huntington highlights the primary axis of conflict, which centers on cultural lines. He refers to civilizations as the highest rank of cultural identity. He posits that civilizations will be useful in analyzing the potential for conflict in the future (Huntington, 2014).

It is commonly assigned in the following courses/subjects (in order of appearances in various syllabi):

• Political Science
• History
• Sociology
• Business
• English Literature
• Religion
• Media and Communications
• Theology
• Anthropology
• Criminal Justice

Republic by Plato (Yale)

The Republic is Plato’s most popular work. It is a Socratic dialogue that tackles justice, the character and the order of the just city-state, and the just man. In the dialogue, Socrates conducts conversations with various foreigners and Athenians about the meaning of justice. His discussion also includes the question of whether the just man is happier than the unjust. They compare hypothetical cities and examine regimes which culminate in the proposition of Kallipolis, a utopian city-state with a philosopher-king as its leader (Plato, Emlyn-Jones, & Preddy, 2013).

It is commonly assigned in the following courses/subjects (in order of appearances in various syllabi):

• Philosophy
• Political Science
• English Literature
• History
• Classics
• Education
• Business
• Religion
• Theatre Arts
• Theology

Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes (Stanford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

The Leviathan, also known as the Leviathan or The Matter, Forme and Power of a Commonwealth Ecclesiasticall and Civil, was published in 1651. Its name was derived from the Leviathan, a sea serpent mentioned in various Jewish texts and the Bible. Thomas Hobbes’ work outlines the structure of society and the characteristics of a legitimate government. It argues for a social contract by an absolute sovereign (Hobbes, 2020). It is known to be one of the earliest texts discussing the social contract theory.

It is commonly assigned in the following courses/subjects (in order of appearance in various syllabi):

• Political Science
• Philosophy
• History
• English Literature
• Law
• Sociology
• Anthropology
• Religion
• Economics
• Theology

Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle (University of Chicago)

The Nicomachean Ethics is a collection of 10 books based on Aristotle’s notes from his lecture at the Lyceum. It played a role in defining Aristotelian ethics. The text’s overall theme explores the works of Plato, a close confidant, and teacher of Aristotle, about how men should live their best lives (Aristotle & Beresford, 2020). It is considered one of the most influential historical and philosophical texts. Aristotle’s texts became one of the core works of medieval philosophy and played a critical role in developing modern philosophy.

It is commonly assigned in the following courses/subjects (in order of appearances in various syllabi):

• Philosophy
• Political Science
• English Literature
• History
• Theology
• Business
• Religion
• Classics
• Law
• Education

Introduction to Econometrics by James H. Stock (Duke)

The Introduction to Econometrics includes fundamental topics in econometrics along with its interesting applications. It also touches on statistics and probabilities as well as regression with cross-sectional data. The book also comes with a capstone chapter that outlines empirical analysis. The aim of the material is to motivate the learners to use various theories and tools in real-world applications (Stock & Watson, 2020).

It is commonly assigned in the following courses/subjects (in order of appearances in various syllabi):

• Economics
• Business
• Mathematics
• Political Science
• Education
• Accounting

Oedipus Rex by Sophocles (University of Pennsylvania)

Oedipus Rex, also known as Oedipus the King or Oedipus Tyrannus, is an Athenian tragedy first performed around 429 A.D. It is part of Sophocles’ Theban plays that tells the story of Oedipus. The text tells Oedipus’ search for Laius’ murder in order to end the plague in Thebes (Sophocles & Dawe, 2006). Some of the themes in the play and text included free will, state control, and irony. It is considered to be a masterpiece of ancient Greek tragedy.

It is commonly assigned in the following courses/subjects (in order of appearances in various syllabi):

• English Literature
• Theatre Arts
• Classics
• History
• Philosophy
• Political Science
• Religion
• Film and Photography
• Psychology
• Anthropology

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare (Brown)

Julius Caesar, or The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, is a history play first performed in 1599. It is one of four masterpieces written by William Shakespeare. It is based on true events from Roman history. The play deals with Brutus’ moral dilemma as he joins the conspiracy to murder Julius Caesar to prevent him from becoming a dictator (Shakespeare, 2020). The work focuses on various themes such as friendship, patriotism, and honor.

It is commonly assigned in the following courses/subjects (in order of appearances in various syllabi):

• History
• Anthropology
• Classics
• English Literature
• Film and Photography

The Evolution of Reading Lists in Online and Hybrid Degree Programs

In recent years, the rise of online and hybrid degree programs has brought significant shifts to how reading lists are designed and consumed. As institutions aim to make education more accessible, reading lists in these programs often incorporate digital alternatives to traditional textbooks and leverage open-access resources. These changes not only reduce costs but also align with the digital-first environment that online learning fosters.

One notable advantage of online reading lists is their flexibility in accommodating diverse learning paces. Unlike traditional classroom settings, where all students follow a uniform schedule, online programs allow students to access materials anytime, enabling deeper engagement at their convenience. Additionally, interactive digital textbooks and resources enhance comprehension through features like embedded videos, hyperlinks to supplementary materials, and real-time data visualizations.

Online platforms hosting these resources also provide analytics for educators to track student progress, identifying areas where support is needed. For instance, platforms like Learning Management Systems (LMS) enable instructors to monitor how often assigned readings are accessed and how students interact with the content. This feedback can be instrumental in refining syllabi and improving learning outcomes.

However, despite these innovations, challenges persist. Limited digital literacy among students and educators can impact their ability to maximize the benefits of online resources. Additionally, ensuring all students have stable internet access remains a critical concern. Higher education institutions addressing these issues by offering training programs and expanding broadband accessibility ensure equity in the online learning experience.

For students pursuing advanced online degrees like the cheapest EdD programs leveraging cost-effective reading strategies becomes crucial. By integrating accessible and contemporary learning materials, online reading lists reflect the broader shift toward innovative and inclusive education models.

Books Read in Ivy League Schools vs. Other Universities

As shown in the previous section, A Writer’s Reference was required by most courses in various colleges and universities across the U.S. It is followed by The Elements of Style with around 9,300 appearances and A Pocket Style Manual with over 6,400. The rest of the top 10 books are a mix of science, mathematics, literature, social sciences, and general reference books. This reflects the diversity of various courses and topics covered by HEIs in the U.S.

On the other hand, a survey of syllabi among Ivy League schools shows a slightly different set of readings, specifically the Ivy League recommended reading list.

The two lists have three works in common: Republic, The Communist Manifesto, and Nicomachean Ethics. However, aside from Peter Wolt’s work, which accounts for the science courses in Columbia University, the top 10 required readings in Ivy League schools skew heavily towards sociology, philosophy, and political science. It appears that these schools spend a significant amount of time towards thought and political philosophy in their academic training.

What Factors Determine the Relevance of a Required Reading List?

Evaluating the relevance of a required reading list involves a multifaceted approach that aligns curricular goals with evolving academic and industry trends. Educators and curriculum designers assess the timeliness of content, ensuring that both seminal works and emerging perspectives contribute to a balanced intellectual framework. This process incorporates a critical review of interdisciplinary contributions, stakeholder expertise, and contemporary research developments to foster a dynamic learning environment. Such considerations are essential in tailoring course materials that are both academically rigorous and professionally relevant, supporting informed academic pathways including the easiest master's degree to get online.

About the Open Syllabus Project

The Open Syllabus Project is a collection of millions of syllabi with the aim to support novel teaching and learning applications (The American Assembly, 2020). Its purpose is to help presses develop books, libraries manage their collections, and educators develop classes. Additionally, it helps students and lifelong learners in exploring topics and fields.

Currently, the OSP collected over nine million syllabi in English from 140 countries. It is powered by machine learning and sophisticated algorithms to extract metadata such as fields, citations, dates, and more. This information is freely available in the Syllabus Explorer.

The database includes information from various courses and classes over the last 15 years. The team behind OSP aims to reveal the “intellectual judgment embedded" in the list of required college level reading books (Ingraham, 2019).

The project was founded at The American Assembly, a public policy institute with ties to Columbia University.

A quick look at the Syllabus Explorer shows some of the most popular readings across all U.S. colleges. At the top of the list is A Writer’s Reference by Diana Hacker, which appeared in more than 10,254 syllabi in contrast to the top required readings among Ivy League schools in the previous graph.

What role do digital resources and online platforms play in the modern college reading list?

In today’s educational landscape, the required reading list for college students is no longer confined to physical books. Digital resources and online platforms have become integral to academic study, offering accessibility, convenience, and a broader range of materials. Many top colleges are incorporating these resources to complement traditional texts.

• Open Educational Resources (OERs):
  • Colleges are increasingly adopting OERs, which are freely accessible, openly licensed materials that support learning. These can include textbooks, course readings, videos, and interactive simulations. OERs reduce the financial burden on students by offering free or low-cost alternatives to expensive textbooks.
• Online Libraries and Databases:
  • Platforms like JSTOR, Google Scholar, and university-specific digital libraries provide access to thousands of academic journals, articles, and e-books. This allows students to explore a wider range of scholarly materials without the need for physical library visits, offering flexibility for remote learning and research.
• E-Books and Audiobooks:
  • Digital versions of required texts are increasingly available in e-book or audiobook formats. These options provide convenience and accessibility, allowing students to read or listen to materials on their devices. Audiobooks, in particular, have gained popularity as they can be consumed during commutes or while multitasking.
• Interactive Learning Platforms:
  • Tools like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer supplementary materials that can enhance students’ understanding of complex subjects. These platforms often include video lectures, quizzes, and discussion forums that complement traditional reading materials.
• Digital Annotation Tools:
  • Software like Hypothes.is and Perusall enable collaborative reading experiences where students can annotate digital texts, share notes, and engage in discussions directly on the reading material. This fosters a more interactive learning environment and encourages critical thinking.

How do academic libraries and digital literacy initiatives shape required college reading lists?

Academic libraries are at the forefront of curating and updating required reading lists by leveraging modern information systems and digital literacy practices. Through collaboration with faculty, librarians integrate emerging scholarly works and discipline-specific research to ensure that syllabi reflect current academic standards. Dedicated professionals in library science, such as those involved in online MLIS programs, provide the expertise needed to assess resource quality, manage digital archives, and facilitate access to a broader spectrum of learning materials. These efforts support a dynamic curriculum that adapts to technological advances and the evolving demands of higher education.

How Do Required Reading Lists Impact Accelerated Academic Success?

The structured rigor of curated reading lists sharpens analytical reasoning and research proficiency, which are vital for navigating fast-paced academic programs. Such focused intellectual discipline equips students with time management and critical thinking skills that streamline the learning process in condensed educational formats. These refined competencies often give learners an advantage when pursuing intensive programs like accelerated associates degree online.

What emerging challenges shape the future of required reading lists?

Institutions now face the task of reconciling the enduring value of classical texts with the dynamic nature of digital content. Curation practices must evolve to incorporate diverse media formats, address uneven levels of digital literacy, and continually reassess content relevance in light of rapid academic and technological advances. Strategic frameworks that prioritize accessibility, data-driven feedback, and interdisciplinary integration are essential to sustain the scholarly integrity and practical applicability of reading lists. Innovative educational models, similar to those offered by a degree in 6 months online, exemplify the balanced emphasis on academic rigor and flexibility necessary for modern learning environments.

How can student feedback and analytics optimize required reading lists?

Integrating systematic student feedback with academic analytics yields actionable insights into engagement and comprehension. Institutions can leverage data from learning management systems and targeted surveys to identify texts that may require revision or replacement. This analytical approach facilitates evidence-based decisions that ensure reading lists remain dynamically aligned with evolving academic standards and evolving career demands. Such data-driven optimization mirrors advanced academic strategies like those found in PhD online, effectively balancing rigor and responsiveness.

How can required reading lists be tailored to support interdisciplinary skills and career readiness?

Innovative course designers are aligning required readings with interdisciplinary approaches that bridge theoretical insights and practical applications. Curating texts from diverse fields helps develop cognitive flexibility, critical analysis, and communication skills essential for varied professional environments. Educators use data-driven feedback and iterative syllabus reviews to refine selections, ensuring that reading lists remain responsive to evolving academic and industry landscapes. This targeted strategy supports flexible academic pathways, including options offered by the easiest bachelors to get while fostering real-world career competencies.

How do required reading lists influence advanced academic and career trajectories?

Required reading lists not only build foundational academic skills but also serve as a strategic tool in shaping advanced educational and professional decisions. They provide students with a broad spectrum of theoretical frameworks and real-world insights, which can enhance competitiveness in selecting specialized programs and pursuing higher-level research. Data trends indicate that exposure to diverse scholarly material may steer students toward career paths that value analytical prowess and interdisciplinary understanding. For instance, those considering further academic pursuits often align their study with programs such as master degrees that pay well, underscoring the link between curated literature and informed decision-making in professional arenas.

Benefits of Required Readings to College Students

Aside from the center of discussion points, books provide numerous benefits to college students. Regardless of the topic or themes, it allows students to hone their skills in the following ways:

1. Diversify knowledge base Literary works outside students’ focus of study introduces them to new concepts, ideas, and information. Complex topics are presented from various point-of-views through different books. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to connect their focus of study to other subjects, and even use this knowledge in using domain names generator software, thereby creating a more holistic learning experience.
2. Improve critical thinking Required readings are often assigned not only for students to consume but to critique. In different types of writing themes or subject matter, students are encouraged to analyze various aspects of the literary work. As such, they get to practice their critical thinking, which is valuable in any field of study. It also helps them improve their articulation, evaluation, and analysis of complex concepts and ideas.
3. Expand vocabulary Reading exposes students to new words, phrases, and expressions. Through the books and similar materials, necessary contexts are highlighted, expanding the students’ vocabulary more effectively. In addition, through reading, you become acquainted with imagery definition, literature that provides deeper and richer reading experiences.

These are just some of the benefits of reading books. Do not mistake reading lists as only beneficial to students taking a bachelor’s or master’s degree in history, philosophy, or the humanities. Those who regularly read outside their required assignments enjoy more advantages such as enhanced focus, a better grasp of grammar, and exploration of new subject matters.

Key Insights

• Wide Range of Influential Texts: The required readings at top U.S. colleges encompass a variety of disciplines, reflecting a broad intellectual foundation for students. These include seminal works in philosophy, political science, literature, economics, and more.
• Emphasis on Humanities and Social Sciences: Humanities and social sciences texts dominate the reading lists at prestigious institutions, indicating a focus on developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Impact on Intellectual Development: The books commonly assigned in these universities have played a significant role in shaping the intellectual and ethical perspectives of many leaders across various fields.
• Open Syllabus Project (OSP): The OSP provides valuable insights into the most commonly assigned texts, highlighting trends and commonalities in academic curricula across different institutions.
• Benefits of Required Readings: Beyond academic requirements, these readings enhance students' critical thinking, expand their vocabulary, and provide a diversified knowledge base that is valuable across all fields of study.

FAQ

1. What is the purpose of the Open Syllabus Project (OSP)? The Open Syllabus Project aims to collect and analyze syllabi from various educational institutions to support teaching and learning applications. It helps educators develop classes, presses develop books, libraries manage their collections, and students explore topics and fields.
2. Why are humanities and social sciences texts prominent in the reading lists of top U.S. colleges? Humanities and social sciences texts are prominent because they foster critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and a deep understanding of human behavior and societal structures. These skills are essential for developing well-rounded individuals capable of leadership and innovation.
3. How does the reading list differ between Ivy League schools and other universities? Ivy League schools' reading lists tend to focus more heavily on sociology, philosophy, and political science compared to other universities, which have a more diverse mix including science, mathematics, and general reference books.
4. What are some of the most-read books in top U.S. colleges? Some of the most-read books include "Letter from the Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King, Jr., "The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order" by Samuel P. Huntington, "Republic" by Plato, "Leviathan" by Thomas Hobbes, and "Nicomachean Ethics" by Aristotle.
5. What benefits do required readings provide to college students? Required readings help students diversify their knowledge base, improve critical thinking, expand their vocabulary, and enhance their ability to analyze and articulate complex concepts. These benefits are valuable across all fields of study.
6. How does the OSP gather and utilize data from syllabi? The OSP uses machine learning and sophisticated algorithms to extract metadata such as fields, citations, and dates from syllabi collected from around the world. This data is made freely available through the Syllabus Explorer to support various educational initiatives.
7. Are required readings only beneficial to humanities and social sciences students? No, required readings benefit students across all disciplines by enhancing their critical thinking, vocabulary, and ability to connect their focus of study to broader contexts. Regular reading also improves focus and grammar, which are valuable in any field.

References:

• Aristotle, & Beresford, A. (2020). Nicomachean Ethics. UK: Penguin Books. Google Books
• Fredericks, A. D. (2005). The Complete Idiot’s Guide to: Success as a Teacher. New York, NY: Alpha. Google Books
• Hobbes, T. (2020). Leviathan. New York: W.W. Norton. Google Books
• Huntington, S. P. (2014). The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order. London: Penguin. Google Books
• Ingraham, C. (2019, April 29). What Ivy League students are reading that you aren’t. The Washington Post.
• King, M. L. (2001). Letter from the Birmingham Jail. Tempe, AZ: Scholargy. Google Books
• Plato, Emlyn-Jones, C., & Preddy, W. (2013). Republic. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Google Books
• Shakespeare, W. (2020). Julius Caesar. S.l.: Open Road Media. Google Books
• Sophocles, & Dawe, R. D. (2006). Oedipus Rex. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. Google Books
• Stock, J. H., & Watson, M. W. (2020). Introduction to Econometrics. Harlow, England: Pearson. Google Books
• The American Assembly. (2020, September 24). About Open Syllabus. The Open Syllabus Project.
• Veriava, F. (2020, May 18). Why textbooks are a crucial part of every child’s learning journey. The Conversation.