Research opportunities abound at Canisius. The college is home to five separate research institutes, all of which provide signature learning experiences in your search for truth and social justice. You can research ways to conserve the environment, lead a study on autism or produce a social documentary that promotes ethical issues relevant to the world today. No matter what you choose, experiences within the research institutes do more than instill you with facts. They transform the way you see the world and force you to think across disciplines. In the process, you engage in real-world learning and fine-tune your professional skills. Your experience within one of our research institutes just might define your career.
Center for Lifelong Learning
Each semester Canisius offers a variety of four- to six-session, non-credit courses that are open to adults in the Buffalo community. Explore a wide range of subjects with other adults in a small class setting without the worry of tests or papers. All Lifelong Learning courses are taught by Canisius faculty on topics of their particular expertise.
Center for Online Learning and Innovation
The Center for Online Learning & Innovation supports three concrete efforts at the college. First, it promotes, supports and guides academic technology initiatives. Second, it serves as a central point of contact for distance learning needs, coordinated departmental efforts for online learning, quality assurance and consistency in online courses, and online innovation endeavors. Lastly, it encourages innovation across campus through technology and new processes, including in teaching and learning and everyday work.
Fitzpatrick Institute of Public Affairs and Leadership
Imagine taking a class from political strategist Karl Rove or talking one-on-one with former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. The Fitzpatrick Institute for Public Affairs and Leadership gives you a close and personal look at the people and ideas contributing to American political life today through the highly-acclaimed Fitzpatrick Lecture Series. Additionally, the Fitzpatrick Institute makes it possible for you to study, experience and contribute to civic life through classroom activities, travel opportunities and internships.
Institute for Autism Research (IAR)
Implement treatment strategies. Analyze data. Assist with clinical trials. These are just a few of the unparalleled research opportunities available to Canisius students at the Institute for Autism Research. Every one of your tasks – no matter how small – is carefully chosen, meticulously executed and rigorously evaluated to help spearhead new treatments for children with autism spectrum disorder.
Institute for the Global Study of Religion (IGSOR)
The Institute for the Global Study of Religion works with students and faculty to research various aspects of religion; promotes cooperation and understanding across religious, gender and ethnic lines; and emphasizes the Jesuit mission of men and women for others. In particular, it facilitates conversations and lectures about important issues involving the relationship between Christianity and culture, and creates opportunities for the study of religion in various cultures through immersion seminars in various global cultures.
Institute for the Study of Human-Animal Relationships (ISHAR)
If we all work together, we can make the world a better place. This is the mission behind the Institute for the Study of Human-Animal Relations, which is dedicated to advancing humankind’s perspectives on non-human animals. It encourages dialog on the pressing issues in anthrozoology among students and the broader community. ISHAR is at the forefront in examining issues like responsible pet ownership/companion animal stewardship, zoo industry reform, animal use as food, animal-assisted interventions, animal use in science, and the use of science in advocating wildlife conservation.
Center for Urban Education
Canisius University and the National Urban Alliance for Effective Education (NUA) have partnered to create a new Center for Urban Education. Housed in the college’s School of Education & Human Services, the Center for Urban Education will work to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in urban schools across Western New York. The Center supports NUA’s mission to substantiate an irrefutable belief in the capacity of all public school children to achieve the high intellectual performances demanded in higher education and the workplace.The Center's goals include producing significant and sustainable improvements in teacher education by emphasizing content knowledge, research-based pedagogy, teacher recruitment and retention, professional development, mentorship and networking opportunities for new and current teaching professionals.
Writing Center
The Canisius University Writing Center is a resource for anyone to bring their writing and receive one-on-one peer tutoring. The writing center is staffed with trained Canisius students that are willing to help with any stage of the writing process. Examples of common writing center appointments include: Understanding an assignment, developing a thesis, brainstorming ideas, outlining, assisting with proofreading, analyzing evidence for an argument, working on long projects. Appointments are 30 minutes long and can be made online.