Bowie State University Earns Prestigious 'Research Colleges and Universities' Carnegie Classification

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311

(BOWIE, Md.) — Bowie State University has earned the prestigious ‘Research College and University’ designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification, underscoring the university’s commitment to research, innovation and academic excellence.

“This achievement is a transformative step forward for Bowie State University to reach our goal as an R2 designated institution,” said Dr. Aminta Breaux, president of Bowie State. “With this designation, the university is poised to attract new funding opportunities, enhance cutting-edge faculty research and inspire the next generation of scholars and changemakers.”

As one of the nation’s oldest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Bowie State has long been a beacon of opportunity and advancement for faculty and students in higher education. This new research designation reaffirms the university’s academic excellence and positions it as a key player in shaping the future of research at HBCUs.

The newly established ‘Research Colleges and Universities’ designation was created by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching to recognize institutions of higher learning that have not previously been acknowledged for their research efforts. The designation includes any non-R1 or R2 institution that spends more than $2.5 million on research annually. In the 2022-2023 academic year, Bowie State University awarded 17 doctoral degrees, while its research expenditures in Fiscal Year 2023 totaled more than $2.61 million.

“Research not only drives the creation of new knowledge but also enriches learning experiences for our students while they work alongside leading experts,” said Dr. Guy-Alain Amoussou, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Bowie State. “It empowers our faculty to remain at the forefront of their fields, contributing to solving real-world challenges. By prioritizing research and creative activities, we strengthen our institution's role as a catalyst for new discovery and societal impact, locally and globally.”

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the ‘Research College and University’ designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.