The details
Texas State is looking to receive R1 Carnegie classification by 2027. The R1 designation measures research investments made by the public and private sectors of a university to support research conducted by faculty and students.
To be considered, universities must have over $50 million in research expenditures and graduate an average of 70 doctoral degrees over three consecutive years, Chief Research Officer Shreek Mandayam told Community Impact.
Texas State has already surpassed the $50 million mark—as of 2024, the university has $160 million in research funding.
The 2024 reporting period is the first year Texas State awarded over 70 doctoral degrees—a path university officials will have to continue over the next two years.
“We [had] 71 this year, and if we keep the momentum going, we will get there,” Mandayam told Community Impact.
What it means
Mandayam said being an R1 university means Texas State will have a reputation for research excellence.
“It’s not about being better, it’s about being different,” he said.
Texas State is looking to focus on the semiconductor industry, artificial intelligence, environmental sustainability and water research. Mandayam noted that they do not want to leave the humanities behind.
“We have a huge focus on digital humanities, and we want to recruit scholars for the humanities from across the nation,” he added.
