IGPA is home to four specialized centers of study: the Center for Prevention Research and Development, the Office of Public Leadership, the Regional Economics Applications Laboratory (REAL), and the Center for Public Safety and Justice.

These centers expand upon our five programs to provide specialized research, training and public engagement opportunities in the areas of academic achievement, leadership training, public safety preparedness and training, and information technology and its uses in public policy.

The Center for Public Safety and Justice is located in Springfield, while the Center for Prevention Research and Development and the Office of Public Leadership have their main offices in Champaign-Urbana.