A Research University

             LSU's primary mission is excellence in instruction, research, and public service. The Louisiana Board of Regents designated LSU as the state's only comprehensive university. This comprehensiveness is recognized nationally by LSU's classification as a Research University I (in the Carnegie Commission taxonomy). Also, LSU is one of only 25 universities in the country that is both a land-grant and sea-grant institution. More than 200 joint faculty appointments, funding, and research opportunities are provided by the LSU Agricultural Center. In addition to the degree programs offered on its own campus, LSU maintains resident centers at System campuses in Alexandria and Eunice. LSU's Middleton Library ranks 43rd in the nation with 2.2 million volumes, 2.3 million microforms, more than five million manuscripts, and an annual expenditure of more than $8 million. It is the only research library in the state. Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College is accredited by the commission on Colleges of the SouthernAssociation of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor's master's, doctoral, and professional degrees.