CSU students apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to find solutions to real-world problems through involvement in applied research and service learning. Under the guidance of world-renowned faculty who are experts in their fields, students develop leadership skills while benefiting their communities.
Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity
From improving public health and mitigating climate change to amplifying diverse voices through artistic expression, CSU students engage in hands-on learning that drives innovation and social impact while enhancing their education and preparing them for leadership in a rapidly evolving world.
External Funding, Research Growth
The CSU’s research enterprise continues to expand, with extramural funding increasing by $164 million over the past five years. In 2022-23, CSU research expenditures reached $812 million, a $104 million increase from the previous year. San Diego State holds the Carnegie R1 (Very High Research Activity) designation, eight CSUs hold the R2 (High Research Activity) classification, and 12 CSUs hold the new RCU (Research Colleges and Universities) designation announced in February 2025, reinforcing the system’s growing research prominence. Faculty published more than 43,000 articles between 2019 and 2023, many of which were co-authored by students. In addition, 83.2% of 2023-24 bachelor’s degree recipients participated in research, creative activity or internships.
Federal agencies provide 63% of the CSU’s research funding, and state sources contribute 23%. Major federally sponsored research expenditures in 2023-24 included:
- $161 million from the Department of Health and Human Services
- $114 million from the Department of Education
- $75 million from the National Science Foundation
- $31 million from the Department of Agriculture
- $29 million from the Department of Defense
Leading Cybersecurity Education
Enrolling more than 600 students in its cybersecurity program, Cal State San Bernadino stands out as a nationally recognized leader in cybersecurity education. Building on its efforts in this field, CSUSB has partnered with San José State and Fresno State to develop curriculum to provide students with the skills necessary to combat evolving global threats and protect critical systems.
Climate Adaptation Consortium
The new CSU Consortium on Climate Adaptation—launched in January 2025 and led by San Diego State—unites all 23 universities to advance climate action research and education. The consortium will strengthen partnerships with high schools, community colleges and University of California campuses; enhance student career preparation and expand research on climate resilience and environmental sustainability. It joins 11 other CSU research consortia, which provide experiential learning opportunities and address California’s most pressing needs.
Learn more about research at the CSU.
Community Engagement at the CSU
For 27 years, the CSU Center for Community Engagement (COCCE) has been connecting students with ways to serve their local communities. During this time, COCCE has prepared 1 million CSU graduates to become changemakers across California—as well as boosted graduation rates, addressed equity gaps and made a difference in the community.
During the 2023-24 academic year, campus centers for community engagement and service learning, in partnership with 1,000 faculty and 3,723 community organizations, have:
- Enabled 72,000 CSU students to participate in an academic community-engaged learning or hands-on community service experience.
- Offered more than 2,800 service-learning sections to more than 43,000 students who contributed upward of 752,000 hours of service connected to their coursework.
- Engaged more than 27,000 students to provide an additional 1.7 million hours of direct service through programs such as AmeriCorps, days of service, alternative breaks and other civic engagement opportunities.
- Raised $24 million from a variety of private funders and public initiatives to support community engagement, a return of $24 for every dollar invested by the state.
Learn more about the Center for Community Engagement