Research
Why do research as an undergraduate?
Sociology students are trained in a variety of methods for conducting research and are strongly encouraged to pursue their own research interests. Along with our required “Method of Sociological Research” class, many of our courses require students to produce research-driven term papers. Additionally, students can take the opportunity to produce a senior thesis or capstone project.
The benefits of conducting research extend far beyond your time at Notre Dame.
Aside from expanding your knowledge, doing research makes you a better writer, a more critical thinker, and sharpens your ability to analyze data. Conducting research also helps you to explore your own interests and decide on your future career. Because students are often required to present research, particularly when they complete a senior thesis, you will also acquire presentational skills.
Future employers will ask you “what did you study in college?” Having a strong piece of original research to discuss and a polished writing sample to submit add considerably to your marketability.
Research Opportunities
Senior Thesis
A senior thesis is based on an independent research study of a topic chosen by you. Every year, our students produce outstanding senior theses on a wide variety of topics, using diverse analytical methodologies, theoretical approaches, and research techniques.
While all students on the Sociology honors track are required to complete a senior thesis, every Sociology student is encouraged to write one. For many students, coming up with a topic proves to be the most difficult and even keeps some students from taking on a thesis. The Sociology faculty at Notre Dame can help you not only with the process of researching and writing your thesis but also with developing and refining your research question. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Senior thesis students formally present their research projects each April, in the Sociology Department’s Poster Session.
For more information, please contact Mim Thomas, Director of Undergraduate Studies at mthoma13@nd.edu or make an appointment.
Poverty Research and Social Action Concentration
Developed by the Department of Sociology in partnership with the Poverty Research Fellows (PRF) program, the concentration combines coursework on poverty and inequality with hands-on research and enrichment opportunities. As members of PRF, students in the concentration have the opportunity to participate in multidisciplinary programming that connects you with faculty and researchers across Notre Dame who are working to understand the causes and consequences of poverty and identify effective approaches to addressing it.
Students are also encouraged to apply for PRF summer internships, which provide funded opportunities to work alongside faculty and researchers on poverty-related research projects at Notre Dame. Students apply for the concentration and/or the Poverty Research Fellows funded summer internships through the same application.
Admissions Information
Sociology majors apply during the fall semester of their sophomore year, with concentration coursework beginning in the spring. Applications are due October 21st, and admission decisions are released before the class registration date.
Applications from juniors will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Interested juniors should contact Prof. Mim Thomas.
Concentration Requirements
The concentration requires students to take three one credit enriching experience seminars beyond the requirements of the Sociology major.
Required courses:
- Poor Kids: Caring for the Least Among Us
- Methods for Sociological Research* (Assignments and projects must be poverty-related and approved by Prof. Mim Thomas.)
- Three approved electives**
- Three one-credit Enriching Experience seminars
*Applicants who have already completed Methods for Sociological Research will complete a 1-credit poverty-related research project, advised by Prof. Mim Thomas.
**Electives include but are not limited to:
· SOC 20870/10870: Inner City America
· SOC 20410: Health Medicine and Society
· SOC 20228 Social Inequality and American Education
· SOC 43201 Racial/Ethnic Educational Inequality
· SOC 43839 Unequal America
SOC will be adding additional electives. Students may also petition the department to have other electives considered for the concentration—just contact Mim Thomas.
Research Experience Beyond the Classroom
The Poverty Research and Social Action Concentration is connected to the Poverty Research Fellows program, giving students opportunities to put their research skills to work beyond their courses.
Students can participate in PRF programming throughout the academic year and are encouraged to apply for funded summer research internships, where they work alongside faculty and researchers on projects related to poverty and inequality.
Where Can This Concentration Take You?
The concentration prepares students to bring strong research skills and a deeper understanding of poverty and inequality to a wide range of paths, including:
- Social science research
- Public policy and government
- Social work
- Nonprofit and community organizations
- Education and social services
- Research and consulting
- Law and public service
- Graduate study in sociology and related fields
Whether the goal is to conduct research, shape policy, serve communities, or pursue graduate study, the Poverty Research and Social Action Concentration provides opportunities to build the evidence needed to understand poverty and help create a more just society.
Research Centers in the Sociology Department
Center for Research in Educational Opportunity
Center for the Study of Religion and Society
Center for Network and Data Science
Center for the Study of Social Movements
International Opportunities
Kellogg Institute for International Studies
Nanovic Institute of European Studies