The college has a more expanded research base at all levels , from the undergraduate to the doctoral. There has been a marked increase in the number of teachers with PhD degrees. More than half the teachers in the college have doctorate degrees. Many more members of the faculty are actively pursuing doctoral and postdoctoral research. There are more research projects and good many of these involve PG and even UG students. Many more teachers are now actively guiding PhD scholars. At present, the college also provides a much wider array of non-commercial consultancy and extension services, thus underscoring its commitment to society at large and to the task of nation building. Today, there are also many more linkages with other institutions, professionals and non-governmental organizations, research centers, and industrial enterprise.

One of the outstanding activities of St. Joseph's College-staff, especially in the department of Chemistry and Botany, apart from their regular academic work, is Research. In recognition of good research activities and the facilities available, Bangalore University in the year 1999 recognised the SJC Research Center, authorising it to carry out research leading to Ph.D. degree of Bangalore University, in the following thrust areas:

Chemistry: Catalyst, Electro Analytical Chemistry, Coordination Chemistry, Protein Chemistry.
Botany: Taxonomy and Biodiversity, Plant Physiology, Genetics & Plant Biotechnology.