Our faculty and research associates engage in research across disciplines and fields to advance knowledge and solve some of the most important educational problems in North Carolina and beyond. As globally-recognized experts, they are transforming the practice of teaching, learning and leading.

Why Our Research Matters

We transform teaching and learning environments
across the lifespan.

We improve technology enhanced learning and teaching.

We innovate leadership development, educational policy and evaluation.

We increase access and pathways for success for all learners.

We foster community based learning and PK-16 partnerships. 

Our faculty and researchers are addressing pressing educational problems. Their areas of strength include: 

Research Centers and Institutes

William and Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation

Our Friday Institute conducts research, develops educational resources, provides professional development programs for educators, advocates to improve teaching and learning and helps inform policy-making.

Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research

The Belk Center develops community college leaders as well as conducts and disseminates research to address student success challenges facing community college leaders and policymakers.

research news

U.S. News’ 2025-2025 Best Global Universities: NC State #65 in the World, #1 in N.C. in Education and Educational Research

NC State University has been ranked #65 in the world in the education and educational research category in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 Best Global Universities Subject Rankings. Among colleges in the U.S., NC State ranks #25 in the education and educational research category, and it is the only university in North Carolina to rank in this category.

Associate Professor Jamie Pearson Addresses Special Education Needs in the U.S. and Abroad through Grant-funded Projects

Jamie Pearson, an associate professor of special education in NC State’s College of Education, is working to improve special education in the United States and internationally through two recently funded projects.

Professor John Nietfeld, Goodnight Distinguished Professor Maria Coady Aim to Improve Multilingual Students’ Learning through Game-based Environment

NC State College of Education Professor of Educational Psychology John Nietfeld and Goodnight Distinguished Professor of Educational Equity Maria Coady are hoping to close the gap between multilingual and monolingual students’ reading comprehension and science learning through the development of an innovative game-based learning environment.

KH

Karen Hollebrands

Associate Dean for Research and Innovation

919-513-0505 kfholleb@ncsu.edu

Research Development Office

We offer a wide range of pre-award and post-award services.

• Pre-Award Services
• Post-Award Services