Public Sociology Concentration

Provide a Deeper Understanding of an Issue

In a value-free, objective, unbiased manner, public sociologists use theoretical frameworks and social science research methods to explore the source, nature and scope of a social problem. Public sociologists study local, national, and global issues, with a desire to contribute to positive change within society. They may develop policy recommendations or help community leaders and organizations work toward a project goal.

Expand Beyond the Academic Walls

Public sociologists expand beyond academia by engaging with non-academic audiences and partners within the community. By breaking down the barriers between the community and academics, public sociologists create an open dialogue and a mutual educational framework between themselves and the community.

Engage in Community-Based Participatory Research

Public sociologists engage with the community and organizations in a participatory manner. A partnership is formed with research being conducted not just on the community, but with them. CBPR allows input of those being affected by the social issue at hand and strengthens the bond between community and researcher (Hacker 2013).

Disseminate Research

Public sociologists disseminate research in conventional outlets (peer-review journals, university or academic press publishers) and to the broader public (testimony to Congress, or presentation to the city council). A critical process is making information more visible and accessible to a broader audience. This allows the community to better understand the society in which they live.

As a student you will learn the role and practice of public sociology. You will engage in theory, research and the dissemination process.

Public sociology provides you with an intellectual toolkit of transferable skills that allow you to adapt to a sliding spectrum of opportunities. Public sociology students have a unique skill set that allows them to engage in value-free, evidence-based research that contributes to solving a social problem and educating the community.

“Between the organic public sociologist and a public is a dialogue, a process of mutual education. The recognition of public sociology must extend to the organic kind which often remains invisible, private, and is often considered to be apart from our profession lives. The project of such public sociologies is to make visible the invisible, to make the private public, to validate these organic connections as part of our sociological life."

-Michael Burawoy
University of California-Berkeley

The Public Sociology option requires a two semester sequential course offering: SOC 391 is taken in the fall semester where students identify a research topic to examine in the spring semester. This course includes writing a literature review and a research design to be implemented in the following spring.

This course is immediately followed by SOC 496 in the spring semester. This is a semester-long practicum (6 credit hours) in which students gain hands-on experience in applying sociology methods and theory by working in partnership with local community agencies and organizations and residents to address, through scholarly engagement, a critical social problem in the area.

Students present their research findings at the end of the spring semester to City Council and other relevant organizations, as well as at our annual Public Sociology Community Breakfast Research Symposium, every May.

View the Course Requirements in our Catalogue