Carnegie R2 Classification Status

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In the Vision statement of its Strategic Plan (2020 – 2025), "Chicago State University will be recognized for innovations in teaching and research, community development and civic engagement." Towards implementing its goal of enhancing its educational and research environments, CSU is ready to develop its programs to apply for the status of a Carnegie R2 institution. The designation as a Carnegie Classification R2: High Research Activity university will strengthen CSU's reputation as an anchor institution for its Chicago south-side community and the state.

Why Chicago State University is pursuing the R2 Designation? As a Carnegie-classified R2 institution, CSU will increase its ability to compete for external grant support for research and creative activities from federal, state, and foundation sources to build a more productive research ecosystem. This classification will increase opportunities for faculty to be at the forefront of their fields and create an environment for our students to participate in more highly engaging learning experiences. Overall, it will enhance our ability to serve our region's needs through academic programs and research on topics that matter to our students and community.

Criteria for the R2 Classification. Universities awarded the "R2: High Research Activity" classification graduate at least 20 research doctoral degrees each year and spend at least $5 million annually supporting research.

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Progress Toward Earning the R2 Designation

The Carnegie Classification serves as a framework for recognizing and describing the diversity of research institutions in U.S. higher education. Established by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education in 1970, this classification system was developed to support research and policy analysis efforts. First published in 1973, the framework is updated every three years to reflect changes across colleges and universities.

Currently, CSU is classified as a Master's University, awarding at least 50 master's degrees and/or fewer than 20 doctoral degrees during the academic year. The next level is a Doctoral Institution, a classification for colleges or universities that awarded at least 20 research/scholarship doctoral degrees during the academic year and institutions with below 20 research/scholarship doctoral degrees that awarded at least 30 professional practice doctoral degrees in at least two programs. CSU's ultimate goal is to achieve R2 (High research activity) status under the Doctoral Institution classification.

The table below shows the number of doctoral degrees awarded by CSU during the last three years.

Doctoral Degrees	AY 2021-2022	AY 2022-2023	AY 2023-2024
Research/Scholarship	2	4	3
Professional	57	35	30

The table below shows the expenditures in research grants for the last three fiscal years.

	FY 22	FY23	FY24
Expenditures of research grants	$1,265,548	$2,050,626	$3,223,144

Expanding Academic Programs. Currently, CSU awards 30 professional doctorates, but academic doctorate degrees are in the single digits, mainly in the College of Education. We are taking steps to attract more doctoral students by introducing new programs and increased support.

Research Expenditure & Grants. The research expenditures in the last fiscal year (2024) were $3,223,144. In FY 2024, the research expenditures were funded by external grants from federal agencies: the Department of Health & Human Services, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Energy. Our grant portfolio has grown significantly over the past three years, and we expect to reach the R2 threshold soon.

As we achieve R2 status, Chicago State University is committed to transforming our research and doctoral program offerings, fueling innovation, and fostering academic excellence. Our campus is a hub of discovery where faculty, students, and staff collaborate on groundbreaking projects that address critical challenges, from healthcare advancements to environmental sustainability. With a focus on interdisciplinary approaches, we are building a research environment that empowers our scholars to make meaningful contributions that transcend the classroom, driving progress on the South Side of Chicago, across Illinois, and beyond.

Our dedication to this transformation is rooted in our belief that education and research can be powerful catalysts for positive change. By expanding our doctoral programs and enhancing research opportunities, we position Chicago State University to become a leader in academic innovation and societal impact. We are not only preparing the next generation of thought leaders and problem-solvers but also ensuring that our work benefits the communities we serve. Our quest for R2 status reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence, inspiring new possibilities and setting the stage for a brighter, more equitable future for all.

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CSU’s Aspirational R2 Peers

The Carnegie Classification is the leading framework for recognizing and describing research diversity in U.S. higher education. The framework is intended to be an objective, degree-based set of criteria by which researchers can group and study similar institutions. Carnegie Classifications can be accessed through its Institution Search webpage, which includes all institutions of higher education that produce at least one degree per year. In 2022, 133 academic institutions across the nation were classified as R2. Some of these are listed below, giving a sense of what CSU aspires to achieve.

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Input from the CSU Community

Input from the CSU community about achieving an R2 status will be most welcome. Please contact Dr. Edmundo Garcia-Solis, Associate Provost of Grants and Research Administration, at egarcia@daikuan918.com.