Undergraduate Research
Research is the foundation of a degree in sociology at William & Mary. You will learn to apply research theory and methods in the classroom, and have the opportunity to conduct your own independent research or participate in a collaborative research project lead by one of your professors.
Research in Class
All of our majors take at least 4 courses focusing on the theory and methods of sociological research. These classes will teach you will both quantitative and qualitative methods of conducting research, and to interpret the results of sociological research. But even if you are only taking one sociology course, you will learn something about how we study human social life.
Independent Research
If you come up with an idea for a research project, you may be able to explore the idea as an independent research project. Your idea may be suitable for an Honors project - which is a year-long project you conduct under supervision of a faculty advisor. Other ideas could be semester-long projects that you can do as part of an Independent Research project or as part of your Senior Capstone Seminar.
To get started with a project of your own design, you will need a research advisor who can oversee your work. To find a research advisor, talk to or email your major advisor or a professor who is already doing research related to your idea. They can advise you on the best route to follow.
Collaborative Research
Many of our professors lead research projects that use student help. Students involved in these on-going projects are frequently invited to present their work at conferences and seminars, or are listed as co-authors on articles in professional journals.
Publishing
The Collective is a student written and produced sociology journal. You can help.
Awards
The Jeanne A. Ito Award
This award is given annually at commencement to recognize a graduating sociology major who demonstrates the love of sociology, scholarship, and service that characterized our student and colleague for whom the award is named. The award includes recognition on a plaque that hangs in the Department office, a personalized plaque presented to the recipient from the department, and a modest cash disbursement.
The R. Wayne Kernodle Award (formerly the Spencer and Ruth Timm Fund)
This award is intended to support student work that enhances undergraduate education and an appreciation of the value of sociological understandings. Students who are considering internships, research experiences, or academically relevant travel--especially during the summer months--should discuss their ideas with a faculty member or the department chair. Students may apply for consideration by sending the department chair a letter that outlines the project or travel and the associated costs.
The Mitchell Kambis Award
This award is used to provide support for students in Sociology pursuing research and/or field work on issues of social justice, with a preferred focus on disenfranchised populations. Students who are considering internships, research experiences, or academically relevant travel--especially during the summer months--should discuss their ideas with a faculty member or the department chair. Students may apply for consideration by sending the department chair a letter that outlines the project or travel and the associated costs.
Why the Focus on Research?
Both employers and graduate programs value the discipline and qualitative skills of someone trained in doing research. But beyond that, when you understand how sociological research is done, you can better judge research that gets popularized in the media. You will be able to make your own conclusions about information presented in many different areas. This is a valuable skill indeed - wherever your life takes you.
