Types of higher education institutions
Establishment of a classification system
In 1970 the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching set up a traditional higher education institution classification framework through the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. It has undergone many changes over the years, and the current release involves some significant changes from previous editions. Additional criteria has been added resulting in more nuanced groups.
Classification process
The classification process is quite involved and determined by current data. Past classifications relied on multi-year figures, history, traditions, and identity, raising concerns about transparency and replicability. The current classification replaces the previous “research 1,” “research II,” and “teaching” classifications used earlier.
Finding out how a particular institution is classified
The Carnegie Foundation website allows searches for institutions using a number of parameters. Knowledge of the type of institution to which you are applying illuminates one more dimension of a place you may consider for a faculty position.
Classifications for CSU campuses
Depending upon the emphasis, the 23 CSU campuses fall into a range of classifications. Some offer multiple doctoral degrees and bring in large amounts of research dollars; others emphasize professional degrees and certifications, and still others are more like liberal arts campuses. Use the Carnegie search tool to determine which CSU campus or other universities fit which classification categories.
Choosing a good campus fit
The way you want to spend your time will determine which type of campus is a best fit for you. Is it your passion to teach? You may prefer a campus with a liberal arts emphasis that enables you to spend most of your time in teaching and learning activities with students. Is your passion research? You may prefer a campus with a lower teaching expectation to leave time to pursue grant monies, engage in substantive research activities, and publish your findings. Are you passionate about both teaching and research? You can find campuses where faculty members have the support necessary to balance a robust teaching schedule while moving a research agenda forward. Talk with colleagues about where you would be most productive, successful, and satisfied as you explore openings in a variety of types of institutions.
Basic classifications
Associate’s colleges
Includes institutions where all degrees are at the associate's level, or where bachelor's degrees account for less than 10 percent of all undergraduate degrees.
Doctorate-granting universities
Includes institutions that award at least 20 doctoral degrees per year (excluding doctoral-level degrees that qualify recipients for entry into professional practice, such as the JD, MD, PharmD, DPT, etc.).
RU/VH: Research Universities (very high research activity)
RU/H: Research Universities (high research activity)
DRU: Doctoral/Research Universities
Master’s colleges and universities
Generally includes institutions that award at least 50 master's degrees and fewer than 20 doctoral degrees per year.
Master’s/L: Master’s Colleges and Universities (larger programs)
Master’s/M: Master’s Colleges and Universities (medium programs)
Master’s/S: Master’s Colleges and Universities (smaller programs)
Baccalaureate colleges
Includes institutions where baccalaureate degrees represent at least 10 percent of all undergraduate degrees and that award fewer than 50 master's degrees or 20 doctoral degrees per year.
Bac/A&S: Baccalaureate Colleges—Arts & Sciences
Bac/Diverse: Baccalaureate Colleges—Diverse Fields
Bac/Assoc: Baccalaureate/Associate’s Colleges
Special focus institutions
Institutions awarding baccalaureate or higher-level degrees where a high concentration of degrees is in a single field or set of related fields.
Spec/Faith: Theological seminaries, Bible colleges, and other faith-related institutions
Spec/Medical: Medical schools and medical centers
Spec/Health: Other health profession schools
Spec/Eng: Schools of engineering
Spec/Tech: Other technology-related schools
Spec/Bus: Schools of business and management
Spec/Arts: Schools of art, music, and design
Spec/Law: Schools of law
Spec/Other: Other special-focus institutions
Tribal colleges
Colleges and universities that are members of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, as identified in IPEDS Institutional Characteristics.
Search for Institution Classifications
Carnegie Classification Search Tool
The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
Look up institutions, using either standard or custom search categories, to see a summary display that provides basic descriptive information and the institution’s classification profile.
Issues to Consider When Choosing Institutions
Research vs. Teaching: An Ethical Dilemma for the Academic Physicist
Saperstein, A.M., Department of Physics and Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, Wayne State University
This paper examines the ethics of choosing between research and teaching.
Teaching Demands versus Research Productivity
Sharobeam, M.H. & Howard, K. (2002). National Science Teachers Association website
Journal of College Science Teaching, Vol. 31, No. 7, p. 436-441
This study discusses the workload of math and science faculty in predominantly undergraduate institutions, and the impediments it creates for their research activities.
Moving past the old “teaching vs. research” debate
Weimer, M. (Jan 19, 2010). Teaching Careers
This post reflects on an article by Prince, Felder, and Brent, all well known in the field of engineering education, and presents a new look at the teaching versus research debate.
On the Bottom Line, Good Teaching Tops Good Research
Heppner, F. Point of View, Blogs, New Jersey Institute of Technology
This article addresses the issue, “A great teacher is known all over the campus. A great researcher is known all over the world.”
