Research Centers and Institutes in Public Affairs Education: Evidence on Structure,Activities,and Program Integration

Abstract

Research centers and institutes (RCIs) are increasingly prominent features of public affairs education, yet systematic evidence about their roles remains limited. This study examines empirical data about how RCIs operate across the domains of applied research, education, and service. Drawing on a national survey of public policy-related RCIs from universities that have leading public affairs programs, the analysis documents substantial variation in RCI structure, governance, funding, student involvement, and programmatic alignment. The findings show that RCIs frequently function as boundary-spanning infrastructure that supports applied research, experiential learning, and civic engagement, but that their integration into academic programs is uneven and often informal. Many RCIs operate at arm’s length from public affairs programs despite overlapping missions. The article introduces a typology of RCIs to clarify these patterns and concludes by identifying implications for public affairs education and accreditation.

Keywords

research centers and institutes public affairs education applied research experiential learning civic engagement

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