Cal State Fullerton has been elevated to “R-3” (research) status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, in recognition of the University’s evolution from a master’s-level comprehensive institution to one that awards doctorates.
Accordingly, the newly created R-3 designation is in keeping with that evolution and follows the established R-1 and R-2 tiers designated for institutions whose primary mission is research.
“The R-3 designation is largely in response to our recent increase in the number of doctoral degrees awarded by our institution,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs José Luis Cruz. “Our designation is driven by the work of the College of Education and the faculty of our Ed.D. programs.”
Cal State Fullerton currently offers two doctoral programs: Ed.D. (education) and D.N.P. (doctor of nursing practice). Last year, 75 doctorates overall were awarded.
Additionally, Cruz said, Cal State Fullerton garners more than $22 million in grants each year, the majority of which are federal awards.
The Carnegie Classification has been the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education for more than four decades. This framework has been widely used in the study of higher education, both as a way to represent and account for institutional differences, as well as in the design of research studies to ensure adequate representation of sampled institutions, students or faculty.
At Cal State Fullerton, this new designation also reflects the faculty’s continued commitment to engaging students in undergraduate and graduate research. For example, more than 325 proposals were submitted in the 2014-15 academic year.
In addition, Cal State Fullerton has been identified as a community engaged campus – recognizing that in its pursuit of scholarship, the campus also is committed to its role as an anchor in the community.
“The dramatic increase in graduation rates demonstrates our student success, scholarship, and stewardship of place efforts serve to accelerate our progress in advancing our mission,” Cruz said.