At the center of Sacramento Street just before the residential arena becomes overshadoewed by the warehouse district is the academic structure that is home to the Western Institute for Social Research. The Western Institute for Social Reaserch provides individualized BA, MA, and PhD degree programs for working adults in the Bay Area. Some areas of study at the Western Institute for Social Research include Community Development, Human Services, and Social Sciences and allow students to design their learning activities with faculty assistance. The Western Institute for Social Research embraces diversity among faculty and students and encourage students to consider issues of social change and community improvement.