Applied sociology is the science of using sociology to inform real life social issues. Students with a bachelor’s degree in sociology with an applied concentration learn valuable skills that will be directly transferable in today’s job market. In an internship, students gain hands on experience in applying sociology by working with a manager or supervisor in a large, established organization, business or government agency. Ideally, the manager or supervisor should have a master’s degree. While completing the internship, students also acquire job contacts and learn how to market themselves. In short, internships help make sociology practical and economically rewarding and they provide an opportunity to make a difference in the real world. The Dean’s office in the School of Arts and Sciences must approve the internship site in the semester before the internship.

1. Domestic Violence Shelter
2. An after-school program for at risk children
3. Temporary Agency
4. Assisted Living Community

Prerequisites

Sociological Data Analysis (SOC 300) Applied Sociology Seminar (SOC 310/390)

Methods of Social Research (SOC 301) Social Theory (SOC 360)

Junior or senior standing Instructor consent

Submission of an internship proposal in the semester prior to the internship.

1. Students will share their experiences with other internship and practicum students and the faculty coordinator during a weekly three hour seminar. Each week, time permitting, the students will also learn about job opportunities and marketing. The class time will represent approximately three hours a week.

2. The student will work with their site supervisor as directed for 9-15 hours per week, depending on course credit.

3. During the internship, students will keep a daily log of their experiences. The log should emphasize how sociological theories and concepts helped to make sense of their experiences. At the end of the semester, students will write a paper which 1) explains the internship experience, 2) identifies how the student applied sociology, and 3) describes how the experience complemented the student’s in-class learning. The student submits the report to the client and the internship coordinator, and presents the report at a department conference attended by clients, students, and faculty.

1. The student discusses their interests with the internship coordinator early in the semester prior to the internship. Assisted by the internship coordinator, the student investigates internship opportunities.
2. Once an internship opportunity is identified, the student and the internship coordinator consult with the client to outline each party’s role (student, site supervisor, internship coordinator).
3. At the end of this semester, the student submits an internship proposal to the internship coordinator. (See attached form.)
4. The internship coordinator reviews the proposal. If approved, the student registers for the Internship Course (SOC 498).

Student Name ____________________________________________

Student ID _______________________________________________

Student Phone #___________________________________________

Student e-mail_____________________________________________

Semester SOC 498 to be taken_________________

Credit Hours Requested (3-6): _________________

Prerequisites completed? YES NO

Sociological Data Analysis (SOC 300)

Methods of Social Research (SOC 301)

Applied Sociology Seminar (SOC 310/390)

Social Theory (SOC 360)

Type a one to two page proposal describing the project.* Identify the following:

1. The proposed internship organization, location, and supervisor.
2. The project(s) in which the student will participate.
3. How the student will contribute to these projects.
4. Client’s expectations of the student.

*Proposals written in the Applied Sociology Seminar can substitute.