SDSU Research Centers and Institutes

University Divisions

Auxiliaries

Quick Index

(selecting a group jumps down in the page.)

ABC, DEF, GHI, JKL, MNO, PQR, STU, VWXYZ

SDSU Departments and Offices

A,B,C

Academy for Professional Excellence: The Academy for Professional Excellence, administered through the School of Social Work, was established in 1996 with the mission to provide quality training and organizational support to health and human services agencies in the Southern California Region including the counties of Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernards, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.
Accounting in the Public Interest (see Center for: Accounting in the Public Interest)
Behavioral and Community Health Studies (see: Center for Behavioral and Community Health Studies)
Behavioral Epidemiology and Community Health: (see Behavioral Epidemiology and Community Health)
Berman Institute for Effective Communication and: General Semantics; The Berman Institute for Effective Communication within the School of Communication is dedicated to the study of language and behavior in social context.
Bread and Roses Center: Federally funded national center of excellence for international business education.
California Distance Learning Health Network: Founded in 1995, the mission of CDLHN is to produce, promote, and provide training and distance education on a variety of public health topics throughout California, the nation, and around the world.
Center for Accounting in the Public Interest: CAPI will serve as the public’s accountant, shedding light on financial matters of concern and interest to the local and regional community including students, alumni, parents, taxpayers, businesses, not-for-profit and government agencies.


Center for Behavioral and Community Health Studies: The center, formerly known as The Center for Behavioral Medicine, was established in 1982 for the purpose of promoting research and academic
programs relevant to the applications of behavioral science principles to medicine and health care.
Center for Behavioral Epidemiology and Community: Health; Administered through the Graduate School of Public Health, the center was established for the purpose of promoting research to study behavior that prevents or contributes to the cause of disease and injury.
Center for Community Based Service Learning: SDSU's Center for Community-Based Learning will support the development of projects and curricula that will benefit both the University and the surrounding communities, enhancing the University's role as a public institution.
Center for Information Technology and: Infrastructure; CITI was established to promote the vision of empowering SDSU to take advantage of emerging tools in optical networking, wireless communication, and human-computer interactions through visualization.
Center for Injury Prevention Policy and Practice: The Center for Injury Prevention Policy and Practice was founded in 1986 and is administered through the Graduate School of Public Health. Its mission is to reduce death and disability from injuries by fostering
effective injury prevention programs, policies and systems.
Center for Inland Waters: Dr. Stuart Hurlbert and his research group is currently monitoring and analyzing the seasonal dynamics of Salton Sea plankton, with special attention to harmful algal blooms, and will soon initiate a program of research on fisheries biology and reversal of eutrophication at the Salton Sea.
Center for Interdisciplinary Studies of Youth and: Space; The mission of the center is to support research on children, families and geographical space. It includes not only international scholarship and global perspectives on young people and families, but also local community research initiatives.



Center for International Business Education and: Research; Federally funded national center of excellence for international business education.
Center for Latin American Studies: The Center for Latin American Studies is a U.S. Department of Education designated National Resource Center offering multidisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs in Latin American studies. In addition, it supports research, community outreach, conferences, study abroad, and other activities dedicated to teaching students, working professionals, and community members about Latin American economies, history, society, culture and languages.
Center for Microbial Sciences: The center is a non-profit research organization dedicated to the study of microorganisms and viruses. Our mission is to provide a productive, stimulating, and interactive research environment that will lead to rapid progress in many fields of Microbial Biology.
Center for Optimal Health and Performance: The center's mission is to offer a service program of physical activity and exercise/nutrition education to the SDSU and San Diego communities with the major emphasis on helping individuals adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle practices related particularly to cardiovascular
Center for Qualitative Research: The Center for Qualitative Research, located within the Department of Sociology, was created to promote the use of ethnographic and other field research methods in the quest to understand and explain important aspects of social organization.
Center for Research in Math and Science Education: CRMSE brings together researchers interested in studying how individuals acquire knowledge in mathematics and science.

Cetacean Behavior Laboratory: The Cetacean Behavior Laboratory carries out field research on the behavioral ecology and population dynamics of bottlenose dolphins along the California / Northern Baja coastline as well as in the coastal waters of Belize, C.A. and the Mobile to Pensacola area of the central Gulf of Mexico.

Coastal and Marine Institute: The CMI provides a focus for oceanography and marine studies at SDSU. The institute assists departments within the university in the development of instructional, research, and public service aspects of coastal and ocean-oriented programs and provides special supporting services including advising
students, assistance to faculty and students in research, preparation of manuscripts, operation of the SDSU Marine Laboratories and boats, and liaison with other institutions and the community.
Cognitive Ergonomic Research Facility: CERF has several research projects that focus on how individuals interact with and learn from computer displays. In some of the research, the subjects are Navy officers responding to simulated events in the Persian Gulf. In other research, the subjects are university students performing a variety of different tasks. Eye tracking equipment is used to analyze patterns of eye gaze by subjects as they interact with computer displays.
College of Education Projects, Centers, and Programs: The College of Education offers both innovative and traditional programs aimed at providing the best teachers for our children.
Communication Systems & Signal Processing: Institute; The Institute conducts research, development, and design work, and serves as a vehicle for fostering collaboration and scientific exchange between industry and academia.

Community Based Service Learning (see Center for Community Based Service Learning)

Conference Center: Offering an array of professional services and facilities for summer conferences.
Consensus Organizing Center: The center’s mission is to educate and train a new generation of social workers in community building techniques in order to make them effective catalysts for civic engagement and social change.


Corporate Governance Institute: The Corporate Governance Institute (CGI) is a research and education center dedicated to the study and application of responsible corporate governance principles worldwide.

D, E, F

Education Center on Computational Science &: Engineering (EC/CSE); Goal: Foster the incorporation of high performance research tools for scientific investigation into the undergraduate curriculum to better prepare learners for post-Baccalaureate activities where: Collaborative, interdisciplinary teams, Sophisticated computer tools and Effective communication among the team members and with others are used in research and problem solving. The EC/CSE is a resource for faculty at SDSU and within the CSU.
Edwin C. Allison Center For Historical Science: The mission of the center is to foster this approach across the fields of paleontology, paleoclimatology, geochemistry, sedimentology, and organismal biology. Specifically, the center seeks to facilitate research designed to improve and disseminate our understanding of global change and biodiversity, arguably the two most important topics facing current and future generations.

Electron Microscope Facility: The EM Facility provides instruction in the use of light and electron microscopes and serves as a core resource accessible to students, researchers, and others at San Diego State University or in the San Diego community.
Entrepreneurial Management Center: The EMC was created to help people at all stages of the business process to better their chances at achieving success in today's competitive environment.
Facility for Applied Manufacturing Enterprise (FAME): The Facility for Applied Manufacturing Enterprise is intended to highlight SDSU programs in mechanical and system design, measurement, simulation and control, materials and processes, fabrication, test and quality assurance.

Field Stations Program: The purpose of the SDSU Field Stations is to support teaching and research on the natural ecosystems of southern California by students and faculty at SDSU and other cooperating institutions. In keeping with this goal, the stations are managed for the long-term preservation of the native fauna and flora.

G, H, I


Industrial Assessment Center: San Diego State University's Industrial Assessment Center (aka Energy Analysis and Diagnostic Center) facilitates productivity improvements of small and medium-sized manufacturing facilities in San Diego through increased energy efficiency, waste minimization and operations efficiency.

Information Technology and Infrastructure (see: Center for Information Technology and Infrastructure)
Injury Prevention Policy and Practice (see Center for: Injury Prevention Policy and Practice)
Inland Waters (see Center for Inland Waters)

Institute for Ethics and Public Affairs: The Institute for Ethics and Public Affairs seeks to promote critical thinking about moral issues that are often complex in nature.
Institute for Druze Studies: The IDS mission is to provide information on Druze history, society, and faith, encourage research and studies on historical and contemporary Druze communities, promote academic discourse about the Druzes and other related topics.
Institute for International Security and Conflict: Resolution; The San Diego State University Institute for International Security and Conflict Resolution (IISCOR) encourages and facilitates teaching and research in the multidiscplinary area of international security and conflict resolution. Specifically, topics such as nuclear armaments, international and infranational conflict, socioploitical violence, and global enviromental issues as they relate to security are covered.
Institute for Leisure Behavior: The Institute for Leisure Behavior is the research and community service unit within the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism at SDSU. It is primarily concerned with conducting leisure related research, promoting professional development, disseminating specialized publications, and organizing conferences, seminars, lectures and workshops.

Institute for Public Health: Administered through the Graduate School of Public Health, the mission of the institute is to serve as a vehicle for the development and support of functional linkages between the SDSU Graduate School of Public Health, local public health agencies, and private organizations in the San Diego community and neighboring areas, including Mexico.

Institute for Regional Studies of the Californias: The Institute for Regional Studies of the Californias (IRSC) provides San Diego State University with a forum for the investigation, discussion, and dissemination of information about the United States-Mexico border region. The Institute focuses on the three-state region of California, Baja California, and Baja California Sur and is also concerned with Mexico and important issues in the United States-Mexican relationship. IRSC also monitors border regions elsewhere in the world.
Institute of Public and Urban Affairs: The Institute was established to conduct research in community and governmental affairs and to sponsor conferences, colloquia and symposia related to issues in public administration and affairs including urban planning, management and criminal justice administration.
Institute on World Affairs: The Institute motto is "Audiatur Et Altera Para-Let the Other Side Be Heard," and is dedicated to the idea that freedom can only flourish in a climate of free inquiry.It provides a platform for international experts to discuss their ideas with students, faculty, and the public, which is always welcome to attend.

Interdisciplinary Studies of Youth and Space (see: Center for Interdisciplinary Studies of Youth and Space)
International Business Education and Research (see



Center for International Business Education and: Research


International Center for Communications: An idea and an institution which joins the concepts of "communications" and "community" in creating a new program of research, study and community service, a vision of a Pacific Community, and a new American gateway to the Asia-Pacific region.

International Population Center: The International Population Center was organized in 1985 to promote applied demographic research and to provide demographic technical assistance and consulting, focusing especially on population issues along the U.S.-Mexico Border, as well as elsewhere in the world.
International Student Center: The ISC provides services which meet the diverse needs of the SDSU international student community and offers programs which foster global perspectives, intercultural awareness and international goodwill.
International Studies Education Project of San Diego: ISTEP is a collaborative effort of SDSU, UCSD and the San Diego County Office of Education, to promote in-depth, substantive learning about global systems and diverse cultures at the elementary and secondary school levels.
Interwork Institute: The Interwork Institute is comprised of: the Rehabilitation Continuing Education Efforts and Special Education. All Interwork Institute efforts focus on promoting the integration of individuals with disabilities in to all aspects of school, work, family, and community life.

J, K, L

June Burnett Institute: The June Burnett Institute for Children, Youth, and Families was created in 1985 by the SDSU Foundation, through a $1.5 million endowment from the estate of June Estelle Burnett. The Institute emphasizes combined approaches that foster cooperation and collaboration; activities that blend direct service and research; interdisciplinary approaches that expand knowledge of children, youth and families; and programmatic evaluation of activities.
Language Acquisition Resource Center: SDSU LARC is one of America's National Language Resource Centers (LRCs). The LRCs were established by Congress in 1989. Their purpose is to improve the teaching and learning of languages.
Latin American Studies (see Center for Latin: American Studies)
Lipinsky Institute for Judaic Studies: The Lipinsky Institute for Judaic Studies of San Diego State University was founded in 1985. Funding for the Institute derives from an endowment established with a major donation from Bernard and Dorris Lipinsky that has grown with generous contributions from the Jewish community.
Literacy Center, SDSU (see SDSU Literacy Center)

M, N, O

Microbial Sciences (see Center for Microbial Sciences)

Mount Laguna Observatory: Considered one of the finest observing locations in the continental U.S., now with four telescopes at their disposal, the faculty and students of the astronomy department are endowed with a superbly equipped facility located in an outstanding site.
National Center for the 21st Century Schoolhouse: To promote and improve the communication, dissemination, and use of school facility design, planning and construction information and knowledge for the benefit of school districts, educational organizations and communities.

Optimal Health and Performance (see Center for Optimal Health and Performance)

P, Q, R

Pacific Estuarine Research Laboratory: PERL was created in 1984 with funding from NOAA's Office of Coastal Zone Management, the California State Resources Agency, Calif. State Coastal Conservancy, and San Diego State University.
The Production Center For Documentary & Drama: Established in 1990, the Center is dedicated to mentoring the work of senior and graduate film and television students and creating forums for their work, serving the outreach purposes of SDSU, and providing outstanding production services to a range of non profit, educational and government entities.
Qualitative Research (see Center for Qualitative Research)

Research in Math and Science Education (see Center: for Research in Math and Science Education)

S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z

SDSU Heart Institute: The Heart Institute is sponsored by the College of Health and Human Services and the College of Sciences. The goals of the institute are to enhance basic and clinical research in the cardiovascular sciences, to foster undergraduate and graduate education in cardiovascular physiology and medicine, and to provide a community outreach service focused at heightening the awareness of cardiovascular disease and its prevention in the San Diego region.
SDSU Literacy Center: The Literacy Center is an exciting place where the University, K-12 schools, and the larger community come together to support literacy development for children and adults. Activities at the Center include direct services to schools and the community, literacy research, and teacher preparation and development.
SDSU Press: San Diego State University Press is the oldest university press in the California State University system. Various publications.
Social Policy Institute: Administered through the School of Social Work, the mission of the institute is to assist local, state and regional public and private sector leaders in the development of policies and programs that focus on
family and community well-being.
Strategic Technologies and Research: The STaRCenter at SDSU is an on-campus research organization dedicated to promoting technology innovations in education.

Sycuan Institute on Tribal Gaming: The Sycuan Institute on Tribal Gaming focuses on research, policy studies, and education related to the area of tribal gaming management. The Institute, centered in the largest tribal gaming community in the world, is geared to studying tribal gaming within the broader industry of hospitality and tourism management.
Trio Programs: The Community-based TRIO programs at San Diego State University (SDSU) are federally funded junior, middle, high school and adult educational opportunity programs. The programs identify qualified youth or adults who are low-income and first-generation college students. Participants are selected according to their potential for academic success.