Southern Connecticut State University has reached a significant milestone in its commitment to academic excellence, earning national recognition for its faculty and research quality. The Carnegie Foundation announced today that Southern has earned a 2025 Carnegie Classification for Institutions of Higher Education (Carnegie Classifications) Research Activity Designation – Research 2: High Spending and Doctorate Production – placing it among an elite group of research-driven universities nationwide.
Southern is the state’s first and only R2-designated university, and one of only 139 in the country. This is particularly significant for prospective students interested in research-driven careers. Yale University and the University of Connecticut are the only institutions in the state to receive a higher ranking, both R1.
“Southern started as a teacher’s college and we have been a teaching, learning and resource hub for Connecticut ever since,” said SCSU Interim President Dwayne Smith. “Today, we are honored to be included among the nation’s top research institutions and boldly acclaim what we’ve been saying all along – students at Southern learn from faculty who are leaders in their fields. And because of our smaller size, undergraduates have opportunities to engage in graduate-level research, a unique advantage often overlooked when discussing our commitment to access.”
The Carnegie Classifications serve as the nation’s leading framework for categorizing research activity at colleges and universities in the United States. They are a critical benchmarking tool for policymakers, funders, and researchers.
“With R2 status, Southern is well-positioned for more research funding and partnerships, opening doors for further growth in faculty recruitment and academic programs,” said Marty Guay, Chairman of the Connecticut Board of Regents. “This milestone illustrates Southern’s commitment to advancing research and education, and is a testament to the significant progress our universities are making in fostering a culture of innovation throughout the CSCU system.”
While a significant portion of Southern’s research and development expenses are institutionally funded, federal agencies, including the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the Departments of Defense, Agriculture, Energy, and Education, also provide substantial research funding. The university has numerous centers of research excellence that support faculty research and creative activity and provide research experiences for students and teachers while also benefiting the broader community. These include:
- Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Center for Educational and Assistive Technology (CEAT)
- CSCU Center for Nanotechnology (CNT)
- Center for Research on Interface Structures and Phenomena (CRISP)
- The Werth Center for Coastal and Marine Studies
- Center for Excellence in Mathematics and the Sciences
- Research Center on Values in Emerging Science and Technology (RC-VEST)
- SCSU Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
“Southern’s prestigious designation as a Carnegie R2 institution recognizes the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff, and students and their commitment to academic excellence and high-quality research,” said CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng. “As an R2 university, Southern will have the opportunity to attract even more top-notch faculty, further increase access to students pursuing research-driven careers, continue expanding competitiveness in research efforts, and attract new partnerships to support economic development in the state.”
To meet the R2 threshold, an institution must award 20 research doctorates and spend $5 million annually on research – compared with 70 research doctorates and $50 million for R1. In fiscal year 2023, Southern accumulated $8,007,000 in research expenditures and awarded 29 research doctorates.
“As the state’s only R2 university, we are no longer a ‘hidden gem,’” shared Dr. Julia Irwin, interim provost and professor of psychology. “Students at Southern gain hands-on experiential learning in diverse fields, guided by faculty deeply committed to research and teaching. Direct collaboration with experts on student-driven projects enhances learning, making it one of the most effective teaching tools and among our greatest assets here at Southern.”
