College of Arts & Sciences

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Centers & Institutes

Research and Service

There are several laboratories, centers, institutes and clinics housed within the College of Arts & Sciences with missions that are regional, national and even international in scope. In addition to serving the public, they provide opportunities for students to gain real-world experience.

 

Disaster Mental Health Institute

This entity provides graduate and undergraduate academic programs in disaster psychology and disaster response, which are recognized nationally and internationally for their quality. Students and faculty deliver emergency disaster mental health services around the world for business and government.

Government Research Bureau (GRB)

Created in 1937 by an act of the South Dakota State Legislature, the GRB conducts applied research through application of the most modern and innovative analysis tools, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Current high profile GRB projects include the South Dakota State Sex Offender database, the Governor's Disparate Sentencing study, and most recently President Bush's "Project Safe Neighborhoods" for the District of South Dakota -- a collaborative effort with the United States Attorney's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) to reduce gun violence throughout the state, particularly among juveniles.

Heimstra Human Factors Laboratory

The Heimstra Laboratory provides the infrastructure and organizational support needed to conduct state-of-the-art research in ergonomics -- the science of designing tools and environments to optimally fit the capabilities and limitations of human operators. Heimstra Lab research sponsored by government agencies and corporations provides expanded training opportunities for students pursuing advanced degrees in applied psychology.

USD Speech and Hearing Center

This is a clinical education center for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in speech-language pathology and audiology. It serves as a clinical service center for children and adults in need of diagnostic, therapeutic and counseling services for a wide variety of communication disorders. The center provides outreach services across the state.

W.O. Farber Center for Civic Leadership

The Farber Center is dedicated to preparing students and helping communities face difficult public problems. This is accomplished by sponsoring high-quality academic, enrichment, and outreach programs that foster civic leadership.