Yellowstone Times

Montana State University (MSU) has been recognized as one of the leading research institutions in the United States, according to the latest Carnegie Classification of Institutes of Higher Education and the American Council on Education. MSU is among 187 institutions nationwide to receive the R1 designation, indicating very high research output and doctoral education.

In addition to this prestigious classification, MSU was also acknowledged for having a "very high undergraduate" enrollment profile. This distinction places it among only four universities in the country that have achieved both honors, alongside Brigham Young University, the University of California, Merced, and Utah State University.

"Exceptional research is a cornerstone of our land-grant mission at MSU," said Alison Harmon, vice president for research and economic development at MSU. "This classification is a testament to the success of our faculty, staff and students in that area."

The university set a record last year with nearly $258 million invested in research expenditures. It marked the sixth consecutive year that MSU reached such a milestone. Additionally, MSU has experienced record-high enrollments over two consecutive years. Last fall saw more than 17,000 students enrolled—the first time any institution in Montana has achieved this figure—and spring semester enrollment figures also hit an all-time high.

"The continued excellence in research at Montana State is due to the tremendous people—the faculty, researchers, students and industry partners—who drive science forward," stated Waded Cruzado, President of MSU.

MSU's strategic plan "Choosing Promise," adopted in 2018, aligns with metrics recognized by Carnegie classifications. The plan aims to increase student retention rates while supporting more faculty and graduate students through grants and contracts. Since its adoption, progress has been made toward these goals.

Carnegie classifications are released every three years to organize nearly 4,000 higher education institutions across America into a single framework. Institutions must surpass $50 million in total research expenditures and award at least 70 research doctorates annually to achieve R1 status.

MSU previously held R1 classification from 2006 until adjustments were made by Carnegie classifications in 2016 when it was designated R2 for "higher research activity." Task forces were created within MSU following this change; they focused on strengthening both research efforts as well as graduate education initiatives—a move which ultimately led back towards regaining R1 status by 2019.

The "very high undergraduate" enrollment profile highlights universities where undergraduates make up at least ninety percent of their student body population—a feature allowing them daily access not only exceptional but beneficial academic opportunities through involvement within various scientific fields or community projects alike according Alison Harmon: “Achieving R1 status...are testaments hard work collaboration intellectual rigor our faculty.”

Provost Bob Mokwa emphasized how achieving these designations reflects positively upon future educational endeavors undertaken throughout campus life itself: “Their relentless pursuit excellence shaping future providing unparalleled opportunities contribute benefit from changes lives improves society."

Undergraduate achievements continue impressively accumulate past decade alone producing numerous scholars such Goldwater Fulbright Truman Udall Schwartzman Rhodes recipients respectively—all further contributing national recognition ninth ranking overall regarding all-time Goldwater Scholars awarded thus far (90).

For additional details about Carnegie classification criteria visit carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu