Research

Research Centers, Programs, and Initiatives

Knowledge

Addressing today's challenges and advancing the careers of our region's leaders define the work of the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education's centers. We leverage our cross-disciplinary expertise to drive positive change using data-driven insights, resources, skill development, and technical assistance to inform decision-making, public policy, and civic action across our region, our state, and beyond. 

  • Center for Economic Development: Provides research and technical assistance to government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private industry. It has served as a designated Economic Development Administration (EDA) University Center since 1985.
     
  • Center for Educational Leadership: Established in 2008, it builds leadership capacity across Northeast Ohio and beyond. The Center offers professional development and school licensure programs that guide individuals along their leadership pathways, from teacher leader to superintendent.

  • Center for Public and Nonprofit Management: Integrates leadership development, management training, technical assistance, and research for the public and nonprofit sectors in Northeast Ohio. It serves as the Certified Public Manager® (CPM) program for the State of Ohio and houses the Center for Emergency Preparedness, a leader in Ohio's emergency preparedness for over 30 years. The Center's mission is to provide the highest quality hazardous material, homeland security, and business continuity training utilizing industry standards and best practices.        

  • Center for Urban Education: Promotes academic success, wellness, and equity in P-20 urban education through research, evaluation, and technical assistance. It is a founding member of the Cleveland Alliance for Education Research (CAER). 
     
  • Criminology Research Center: Provides research, evaluation, and data analysis for nonprofits, foundations, professional organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies in the criminal justice system, offering research and training opportunities for students.
     
  • Diversity Institute: Analyzes and addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion issues within CSU and the broader community, working with internal and external partners to implement effective solutions.
     
  • Energy Policy Center: Aims to overcome barriers to energy solutions by facilitating the exchange of ideas, disseminating knowledge, and supporting energy-related research in public policy, economics, business, and social science.
     
  • STEMM Education Center: The STEMM Education Center provides a mechanism for connecting Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Medicine education efforts across the Cleveland State University campus and beyond to K12 partnerships. The Center is not a gatekeeper, but a place to connect and collaborate across the colleges, disciplines, all levels of education.
     
  • Unger Program: The Unger Program serves to support and foster economic and community development through independent research and civic education and engagement. 


Additional Areas of Engagement

  • Northern Ohio Data & Information Service (NODIS): The Northern Ohio Data and Information Service (NODIS) is designated by the State of Ohio and the U.S. Bureau of the Census as the regional data center for Northern Ohio. NODIS is a leader in the use of information technology, particularly geographic information systems (GIS) and provides data analysis, mapping, technical assistance, and training services.
     
  • Office of Civic Engagement: The Office of Civic Engagement provides support to faculty, students, staff and administrators that allow them to develop, expand and sustain collaborative, mutually beneficial partnerships with community residents, organizations and institutions. These partnerships contribute to student learning and academic scholarship while contributing to the social and economic well-being of Cleveland, its neighborhoods and the Northeast Ohio region.
     
  • Ohio Center for the Advancement of Women in Public Service: The Ohio Center for the Advancement of Women in Public Service works to promote the advancement of public service careers for women and men within the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government and at the national, state, and local levels. It accomplishes its mission through educational programs designed to foster and encourage the selection of public service as a profession.