The Institute for Urban Research at Morgan State University was established in 1978 under the provisions of the Maryland State Legislature to operate as a component of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. The Institute has a core staff that includes a director, special assistant to the director, senior researchers, research associates and an administrative assistant.

The researchers' training, experience and expertise complement the projected research focus of the Institute as well as the urban mission of the University. Present members of the Institute specialize in the areas of psychology, sociology, demographic analysis, methodology and statistical techniques, city and regional planning, and education. The staff also includes graduate assistants and doctoral fellows. They undertake research, compiling statistical data, land use surveying, etc., make presentations to public and private agencies, as well as community groups.

The Institute engages in many forms of action research, academic, and community service activities. It provides technical assistance to Morgan State University, and the Baltimore urban community. It also allows research opportunities for faculty and students of Morgan State University. Funded grants provide opportunities for outside researchers to be hired on a contractual basis to assist in fulfilling the mandates stipulated in the grants.