Pepperdine University Earns R2 Designation from Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education

MALIBU, Calif. – Pepperdine University has earned the distinguished Research 2 (R2) designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, signifying the University's commitment to high research activity. Announced today, this elevation from the University’s previous classification as a Doctoral/Professional University highlights Pepperdine’s expanding influence in purpose-driven scholarship.

“Academic excellence has always been a central tenet of Pepperdine's mission—it is a core part of who we as an institution are called to be,” said Pepperdine President Jim Gash. “Receiving the R2 designation is a testament to the work of our incredible faculty, whose ongoing dedication makes that mission a reality.”

The Carnegie Classification system, administered by the American Council on Education, is a nationally recognized framework that evaluates universities based on research expenditures and doctorate production. Institutions achieving R2 status must demonstrate at least $5 million in annual research and development expenditures and award a minimum of 20 research doctorates per year.

In 2023, Pepperdine surpassed both benchmarks, investing $10.6 million in research and scholarship initiatives and awarding 72 research doctoral degrees through its Graduate School of Education and Psychology and Graziadio Business School.

“Pepperdine's influence and research productivity continue to mature,” said Pepperdine University Provost Jay Brewster. “Our faculty scholars work across diverse disciplines and partner with students to evaluate fundamental questions within both natural and societal environments. Achieving R2 status within the Carnegie Classification system for doctoral universities offers an encouraging recognition of our shared investment in scholarly work.”

Pepperdine has significantly expanded its research infrastructure since 2011, strengthening its Office of Research, Grants, and Foundation Relations to secure increased faculty research funding. These efforts have led to transformative academic initiatives, including two recent grants totaling $9.95 million from Lilly Endowment Inc., supporting the Passages project at the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art and the Empower and Equip program through the Office of Church Relations.

In 2021, the University secured a $10 million grant from the Keck Foundation to establish the Keck Data Science Institute, providing new learning opportunities such as a data science minor and the Keck Scholars research fellowship program. Additionally, Pepperdine collaborates with organizations like the National Science Foundation (NSF) to host programs such as the Summer Undergraduate Research in Biology program.

Faculty across Pepperdine’s five schools have received substantial research funding in recent years. Notable awards include $6 million in NSF grants secured by Graduate School of Education and Psychology professor Eric Hamilton, $1.5 million in grants supporting the Hugh and Hazel Darling Foundation Religious Liberty Clinic at the Caruso School of Law, and over $500,000 awarded to Seaver College professors Helen Holmlund, Javier Monzón, and Flo La Valle for natural sciences research. At the School of Public Policy, Luisa Blanco has received more than $100,000 for studies on financial literacy, retirement preparedness, and health disparities among Latin American populations. At the Graziadio Business School, Clemens Kownatzki secured $75,000 to enhance graduate student technology resources.

“This recognition highlights the strengthening commitment of Pepperdine faculty, students, and administration to apply academic expertise in the service of our society,” Brewster said.

With its newly attained R2 designation, Pepperdine continues to elevate its academic profile and expand research opportunities that benefit both the University and the broader community.

About Pepperdine University
Founded in 1937, Pepperdine University is an independent, Christian university located 30 miles west of Downtown Los Angeles in scenic Malibu, California. The University enrolls approximately 10,300 students across its flagship liberal arts school, Seaver College; the College of Health Science, and four graduate schools—the Caruso School of Law; the Graziadio Business School; the Graduate School of Education and Psychology; and the School of Public Policy. Pepperdine is committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. Follow Pepperdine on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

 

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