Practicum courses offer students work experience, a look at potential career paths, and a stepping stone toward an academic career in sociology or other graduate work. UW Sociology offers three types of practicum throughout the year. Click on the links below for more information.
- SOC 402 Education Practicum
This practicum places undergraduates in local high schools, working with diverse student populations. A good foundation for a future career in education. - SOC 403 Applied Research Practicum
For those interested in research with direct impact on the world. This practicum places students with local organizations, schools, businesses, and government agencies to conduct research on the issues they currently face. - SOC 404 Community & Civic Internship Practicum
This practicum combines real-world experience while interning at local agencies, with critical reflection fostered in a seminar. Students may arrange their own internship or apply for any available internships offered through the Sociology Department.
Practicum courses teach how to:
- Apply sociology coursework to the real world
- Design and execute program studies & assessment
- Interview study participants
- Survey study participants
- Design, coordinate, and conduct focus groups
- Code and analyze data
- Write professional reports based on current research
- Teach and tutor
- Turn current research into practical solutions
- Mediate between different personalities and needs in businesses
- Solve problems creatively
- Bridge cultural differences
- Network in a professional and intellectual community
- Self-assess the effectiveness of professional ideas and actions
- Work for social change and justice
- Impact the community in positive ways
- Expand a resume with skills learned above!