UMass Dartmouth gains doctoral research university designation

WITH IS DESIGNATION by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as a doctoral research university, the University of Massachusetts joins Brown University and the University of Rhode Island as the only such institutions in the region.
WITH IS DESIGNATION by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as a doctoral research university, the University of Massachusetts joins Brown University and the University of Rhode Island as the only such institutions in the region.

DARTMOUTH – The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has been designated as a doctoral research university.

UMass Dartmouth, which has about 9,000 students, received its designation as a doctoral university for “Higher Research Activity” from the national Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education at the Center for Postsecondary Research at Indiana University. This designation elevates UMass Dartmouth from its previous designation as a Master’s university.

The latest designation is “unofficially official” as there is a public review period through early February, Victor Borden, professor of higher education at Indiana University and director of the Carnegie Classification system at the Carnegie Foundation, told Providence Business News.

According to the CC website and Borden, Brown University and the University of Rhode Island already have the status of doctoral university. Brown has a “highest” research activity designation while URI has a “higher” designation. The lowest tier is “limited.”

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UMass Dartmouth’s research enterprise has grown from $21.2 million to $28.2 million since 2005, with most of the sponsored research activity in marine science and engineering, the university reported in a press release. The university now offers 12 doctoral programs, and the number of annual PhDs awarded has grown from 3 to 26 since 2010.

“UMass Dartmouth’s designation as a doctoral research university is an extremely impressive achievement for the university’s faculty and students,” University of Massachusetts President Marty Meehan said. “From marine science that supports our historic fishing industry and protects our fragile coastline to the study of our economy and global cultures, UMass Dartmouth faculty members are creating and sharing new knowledge that strengthens society and adds tremendous value to the education students receive.”

Provost Mohammad Karim noted that the new pending status reflects faculty and student dedication to research and innovation.

“We are especially proud that our research faculty engage our undergraduate and graduate students in their work, preparing our students to excel in a rapidly changing society and adding great value to a UMass Dartmouth education,” he said.

The Carnegie Classification was originally published in 1973, and subsequently updated in 1976, 1987, 1994, 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015 to reflect changes among colleges and universities.

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