03-04-2025
Alabama A&M University receives new Carnegie classification
NORMAL, Ala. (WHNT) – Alabama A&M University has received a new recognition as a Research College and University, an achievement that reflects the school's commitment to research through the work of its faculty and students.
The newly redesigned Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education were debuted in February. They were established as the framework for categorizing accredited, degree-granting institutions within the United States. The American Council on Education redesigned the Carnegie Classifications to display the depth and diversity of research across higher education.
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The framework for 2025 includes three key research designs, according to the new Carnegie Classifications:
Research 1 (R1) – Very High Spending and Doctorate Production, defined by a clear threshold of $50 million in total research spending and 70 research doctorates awarded annually.
Research 2 (R2) – High Spending and Doctorate Production, which continues the previous requirement of $5 million in research spending and 20 research doctorates awarded annually.
Research College and University (RCU) – Identifies research happening at colleges and universities that historically have not been recognized for their research activity, including institutions that do not offer many or any doctoral degrees.
The announcement made by ACE and the Carnegie Foundation said that 216 institutions were awarded RCU status in 2025.
'The 2025 Carnegie Classification's Research and University aims to highlight research activity at institutions that have historically been overlooked due to lower numbers of doctoral graduates,' said Dr. Majed Dweik, Vice President of Research & Economic Development. 'By setting a research expenditure threshold of at least $2.5 million annually, this classification ensures that universities like Alabama A&M receive well-deserved recognition for their contributions to research and development.'
The university said that they are hopeful that the accreditation will attract students and researchers while also enhancing AAMU's global research reputation. AAMU said they are actively working toward an R2 designation.
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'This new distinction spotlights our University's emphasis on impact and discovery through diverse research activity. Thanks to the ongoing work of our faculty and staff to expand research across the institution, we are well-positioned in our efforts to reach R2 classification in the near future,' said President Daniel K. Wims.
AAMU has several notable programs, such as their Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Engineering and Computer Science, Education and Healthcare and Business and Public Afairs programs.
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