The R1 designation enhances SDSU’s standing and opens up new opportunities for students. Graduates are likely to benefit from better job prospects as the university’s reputation grows.
SAN DIEGO — San Diego State University has achieved the notable R1 research designation from the Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education, making it the first California State University campus to do so. This recognition places SDSU among the elite 5% of research universities in the country.
The R1 status, which honors doctoral universities with extremely high research activity, was awarded to SDSU after it successfully fulfilled stringent requirements. Over the past two years, SDSU has awarded more than 100 doctoral research degrees each year, surpassing the R1 benchmark of 70 doctoral research degrees annually and $50 million in research expenditures.
“Achieving this status elevates the value of degrees for SDSU students, particularly as we continue to attract top talent in our region,” stated Dr. Hala Madanat, Vice President for Research and Innovation at SDSU.
The university’s research efforts have seen a remarkable 65% growth over the last three years, encompassing diverse projects such as enhancing energy efficiency, fortifying power grids against cyber threats, and utilizing artificial intelligence to tackle real-world challenges.
This new classification is anticipated to bolster SDSU’s reputation, likely resulting in an uptick in applications, funding opportunities, and collaborations on innovative projects both nationally and internationally.
“Our primary focus is our community. How do we create jobs? How do we equip individuals for those jobs, and how do we address pressing issues like homelessness or environmental challenges? San Diego State aims to be a key player in those solutions,” Dr. Madanat added. “Achieving R1 affirms our commitment to that mission.”
SDSU students take pride in this achievement, enjoying the enhanced reputation it brings.
“The California State Universities often don’t receive the recognition they deserve for their academic contributions, so it’s exciting to see us getting these opportunities to showcase our work,” said Meghan Dang, a computer science major.
The R1 designation is likely to enhance job opportunities for SDSU graduates as more companies may seek to recruit from a distinguished research institution. SDSU intends to monitor the impact of this status on their graduates’ outcomes.
With this achievement, SDSU joins the University of California San Diego, becoming one of only two institutions in the San Diego area with R1 status, and one of just 14 schools in California to hold this classification.
