UMass Boston Achieves R1 Designation
In 2025, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education recognized UMass Boston with its top designation for research: Research 1 (R1). On average in a single year, R1 institutions spend at least $50 million on research and development and confer 70 or more research doctorates. UMass Boston has surpassed these thresholds.
As a public research university with a teaching soul, reaching the prestigious R1 designation aligns with UMass Boston’s vision and speaks to the dedication of our outstanding faculty, staff, and students. In the last decade, the University has grown its research enterprise, trained students, and made remarkable advances and discoveries in a wide variety of fields.
A Designation with Wide-Ranging Impact
Vice Provost for Research & Strategic Initiatives Bala Sundaram discusses what the R1 classification means for UMass Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the communities we serve.
A Catalyst for Future Opportunities
UMass Boston’s research enterprise has grown significantly in the past few years. The R1 designation is a launching pad for additional growth and a recognition of the impact of campus expertise and the societal value of the high quality research and scholarship on campus. It contributes to our university being highly attractive to funders, researchers, faculty, and students.
Read The R1 AnnouncementBy the Numbers
