University Earns High Research Activity Status

Montclair State University has achieved yet another milestone in its ascension among the ranks of the nation’s top public universities, earning the designation of R2 Doctoral University — High Research Activity — in the most recent reclassification of the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Seen as the national standard for college and university classifications, the Carnegie Classification is the leading framework for recognizing higher education institutional diversity.

The accomplishment comes just three years after Montclair State earned an initial Research Doctoral University (R3) designation, and signifies a continued expansion of the University’s research portfolio and doctoral program offerings.

“Our new designation as a Carnegie R2 institution is a well-deserved validation of what we have already known — that we are a dynamic research university with faculty and students who are producing cutting-edge research,” says Vice Provost for Research and Dean of The Graduate School Scott Herness.

Since its initial R3 designation in 2016, the University has not only added new doctoral-level programs such as its PhD in Clinical Psychology, but it has also increased the breadth of funding for its research, from federal, state and private funds in support of both basic and applied research.

“Montclair State’s new status as a Carnegie R2 institution confirms the continuous growth of the University, and will further enhance its capability to attract the highest caliber students, faculty and staff,” says University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Willard Gingerich.

“This designation recognizes the impact we are making in the state, and is a testament to the years of hard work by so many members of the Montclair State community,” he adds.