Briar Cliff University Advances to Doctoral University Classification

June 10, 2022

Briar Cliff University has recently been reclassified from a Baccalaureate College to a Doctoral University from Carnegie Classifications. 

“It is a great honor to be recognized as a doctoral university and for the institution to achieve this academic milestone,” says Dr. Todd Knealing, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. “This recognition, and Briar Cliff University’s academic programming, reflect our ongoing commitment to produce high-quality, doctoral-level health professionals to serve the Siouxland region.” 

Knealing shared the commitment is further reflected in the recent receipt of grants through the Missouri River Historical Development (MRHD) and the Economic Development Administration (EDA), to expand campus space for an Interprofessional School of Health and Help Sciences™ in support of healthcare workforce development.

According to the classification’s description, Briar Cliff awarded at least 30 professional practice doctoral degrees in at least two programs to be labeled a doctoral university. Currently, Briar Cliff offers two doctoral programs, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).

“Briar Cliff University is well known for our strong DNP and DPT programs,” adds Dr. Knealing. “We recently announced another doctoral program, Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), and we are excited to welcome our first cohort of OTD students in the summer of 2023.”

IPEDS Completions data reported that in 2019-2020, Briar Cliff’s academic progress matched the classification. The Carnegie Classification has been the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education and assisting in research on higher education institutions.