University Gets New Ranking by the Carnegie Classification 2015 Update

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of its students, administrators, faculty and staff, Texas A&M University-Commerce has been classified as Doctoral University-Higher Research Activity (R2) by the Carnegie Classification 2015 Update.

The 2015 Update of the Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education was made public on February 1, 2016. The Basic Classification framework was developed by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education in 1970 to support its research program. After publication in 1973, it has been updated in 1976, 1987, 1994, 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015.

“We are very pleased that the hard work we have all put into our graduate programs is paying off with the new designation,” said Dr. Arlene Horne, dean of graduate studies. “Our doctoral programs are thriving and we are graduating well-prepared students into the workplace. To have the recognition of this new Carnegie classification reflects the hard work of our faculty in ensuring that our students are research-literate when they graduate.”

The website also lists Texas A&M University as a Doctoral University-Highest Research Activity (R1), Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and Prairie View A&M University as Doctoral Universities-Moderate Research Activity (R3), and Tarleton State University, West Texas A&M University, Texas A&M International University, and Texas A&M University-Central Texas as Masters Universities-Larger Programs (M1).

“A&M – Commerce's most recent Carnegie Classification as a Doctoral University – Higher Research Activity (R2) is a prestigious national recognition for the very productive scholarly engagement of our faculty and the tremendous support from our Graduate School and our Office of Research and Sponsored Programs,” said Dr. Adolfo Benavides, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “To be among the select group of 107 universities in the United States (2.3% of all U.S. post-secondary institutions) is, indeed, quite an honor. What a fantastic way to begin writing the history of our next 125 years as one of leaders in Higher Education—yet another beautiful day to be in Commerce, Texas.”

The Basic Classification classifies both doctoral universities and master's colleges and universities. Doctoral universities include institutions that awarded at least 20 research/scholarship doctoral degrees during the update year, excluding special focus institutions and tribal colleges. These universities are categorized by the following: R1 (Doctoral Universities – Highest research activity), R2 (Doctoral Universities – Higher research activity), and R3 (Doctoral Universities – Moderate research activity).

Master's colleges and universities include institutions that awarded at least 50 master's degrees and less than 20 doctoral degrees during the update year, excluding special focus institutions and tribal colleges. These universities are categorized by the following: M1 (Master's Colleges and Universities – Larger programs), M2 (Master's Colleges and Universities – Medium Programs), and M3 (Master's Colleges and Universities – Smaller programs).

For more information on the Carnegie Classifications, visit http://carnegieclassifications.iu.edu/.