For years, the Carnegie Classifications research designations were only open to a narrow set of doctoral-granting institutions. Many colleges and universities across the country were engaging in meaningful research, however, their contributions were not being recognized.
As part of our work to redesign the Carnegie Classifications, last month we introduced a Research College and University (RCU) designation to identify research happening at colleges and universities that historically have not been included in the research activity index, including institutions that do not offer many or any doctoral degrees.
Learn more about the Research Activity Designations here.
216 institutions with wide-ranging missions were given the RCU distinction this year. Here’s what a few of them are saying about their new designation:
United States Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO)
“We pride ourselves at the U.S. Air Force Academy on offering cadets opportunities to engage in research that directly supports the warfighter and our national security. Carnegie’s new designation highlights what we have known for a long time – that the Academy develops the critical thinkers ready to lead in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.”
— Brig. Gen. Linell Letendre, Dean of the Faculty at USAFA
Bowie State University (Bowie, MD)
“This achievement is a transformative step forward for Bowie State University to reach our goal as an R2 designated institution. With this designation, the university is poised to attract new funding opportunities, enhance cutting-edge faculty research and inspire the next generation of scholars and changemakers.”
— Dr. Aminta Breaux, President of Bowie State
Rhode Island School of Design (Providence, RI)
“We are honored to receive the new Research Colleges and Universities designation by Carnegie Classifications and the American Council on Education. As one of the few art and design institutions to receive this distinction, RISD affirms the vital importance of scholarship to art and design education and creative practices. Artists and designers are uniquely positioned to create and enact solutions that address critical societal issues. Our research initiatives, driven by outstanding faculty, provide opportunities for collaboration, learning and experimentation, which sustain RISD’s culture of inquiry and critique and underscore the comprehensiveness of a RISD education.”
— Crystal Williams, President of RISD
Bowdoin College (Brunswick, ME)
“It is truly a testament to the success of our faculty in securing external research support and to the growth of our student research program at Bowdoin.”
— Jennifer Scanlon, Dean for Academic Affairs at Bowdoin College
Roseman University of Health Sciences (Henderson, NV)
“This recognition validates Roseman University’s commitment to advancing healthcare through innovative research and academic excellence. Our graduate-level education programs – master’s degrees in biomedical sciences and pharmaceutical sciences – along with our research programs are creating new knowledge and discoveries that contribute to Nevada’s growing biomedical ecosystem.”
— Jeffery Talbot, PhD, Vice President of Research and Dean of the College of Graduate Studies at Roseman University
Marymount University (Arlington, VA)
“We set a strategic goal in 2019 to become a research-intensive institution, and our new Research University designation is a direct result of our efforts. It is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, students and research leaders whose innovative and applied research is making a tangible impact in our communities. It is also an important step towards attaining R2 status, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing knowledge that serves society.”
— Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University
John Jay College of Criminal Justice (New York, NY)
“The inclusion of John Jay College in this new Carnegie classification affirms what we have long known. Our faculty are leading experts in their fields and our institution is at the forefront of critical research that informs policy and practice.”
— Karol V. Mason, president of John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Bryn Mawr College (Bryn Mawr, PA)
“Bryn Mawr has long been a place where rigorous inquiry and deep intellectual engagement thrive. This new designation affirms what we have always known—our faculty and students are making meaningful contributions to the world through research that advances knowledge and shapes the future.”
— Wendy Cadge, Bryn Mawr College President
Cal Poly Humboldt (Arcata, CA)
“This designation reflects Cal Poly Humboldt’s deep commitment to fostering a research-driven educational experience for our students and faculty. It acknowledges the incredible work happening across all disciplines and reinforces our role as a hub for innovation, hands-on learning, and meaningful research and creative projects that impacts our North Coast community and beyond.”
— Kacie Flynn, Associate Vice President for Research at Humboldt