NDSU Science and Engineering Research Ranksin Top 100 in Nation

An analysis of National Science Foundation (NSF) research statistics shows that North Dakota State University is listed in the top 100 research universities in the country in at least six NSF research subcategories for 2003, the latest year for which statistics are available.

 When ranked by non-federal research expenditures in science & engineering, NDSU ranked 88th by NSF among more than 600 U.S. research universities in 2003.

 In science & engineering fields, NDSU ranked 85th in total research expenditures at U.S. public colleges and universities in 2003.

o When ranked by federally-financed research expenditures for science & engineering, NDSU ranked 96th among public research universities in 2003.

 In the field of chemistry, NDSU ranked 80th in total and federally-financed research expenditures among U.S. research universities for 2003.

 In the field of physical sciences, NDSU ranked 70th in research expenditures among the top 100 universities and colleges in this category for fiscal year 2003. In the rankings, the category of physical sciences includes astronomy, chemistry, physics, materials sciences and other sciences not elsewhere classified.

 When ranked by federally-financed research expenditures for physical sciences, NDSU was listed 57th out of the top 100 U.S. research universities and colleges for fiscal year 2003. In the rankings, the category of physical sciences includes astronomy, chemistry, physics, materials sciences and other sciences not elsewhere classified.

“When you look at the regions of the nation that have experienced significant economic growth, you will almost always find an active university research center fueling that growth," said NDSU President Joseph A. Chapman. “These rankings show just how far NDSU has grown in being a major national research university.”

“The commitment of the North Dakota legislature, Governor John Hoeven, Senator Byron Dorgan and additional members of the congressional delegation, has played a crucial role in recognizing the exceptional research being conducted at NDSU, and bringing it to the attention of others in the national arena,” said Philip Boudjouk, vice president for research, creative activities and technology transfer at NDSU. “The talented professionals in science at NDSU provide exceptional expertise which results in exceptional research. This expertise and the climate it creates also provide unique opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.”

For fall semester 2005, NDSU had 1,645 students enrolled in the College of Science and Mathematics. In addition, 2,566 students were enrolled in the College of Engineering & Architecture. Enrollment in the College of Science and Mathematics and enrollment in the College of Engineering & Architecture represent the two largest colleges within programs offered at NDSU.

“The caliber of programs and scientific research opportunities provided at NDSU provide a tangible way to invest in students’ futures,” said Boudjouk.

The National Academy of Sciences released a study in October 2005 showing that 12th graders in the U.S. performed below the international average compared with students in 21 countries on a general test of science and mathematics knowledge.

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, reported by the National Center for Education Statistics, North Dakota 8th graders score 3rd highest in the nation in math. National Center for Education Statistics figures also show that North Dakota ranks 5th in the nation for having the highest proportion of public school 8th graders scoring at the highest two levels in science.

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that by 2008, jobs requiring science, engineering and technical training will increase by at least 21 percent.