Sociology

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  • Sociology
    202-885-2475
    Fax: 202-885-2477
    socio@american.edu
    Battelle Tompkins, Room T-21

    Linden, Sandra L
    Senior Administrative Assistant

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Graduate Certificate in Public Sociology

As of fall 2009, the sociology faculty at American University in Washington, D.C., announced the new Graduate Certificate in Public Sociology. Initially a concentration within the Masters of Arts in Sociology, which began fall 2006, the graduate certificate is designed to provide students with training to use theories and methods of sociology in a wide range of work settings, including policy and social activism and advocacy. Any student with a Bachelor's degree can apply for and enroll in this certificate; current MA students are eligible to enroll as well. The Graduate Certificate in Public Sociology will appear on a student's transcript, along with any terminal degree.

The program of study leads to career paths ranging from grassroots organizing and work in community-based non-profit agencies and non-governmental organizations to employment in government agencies, legislative offices, "think tanks," advocacy organizations, or private consulting.

Students in the Graduate Certificate will pursue required coursework which includes:

  • SOCY-525 Social Advocacy (3) and Social Change or SOCY-580 Social Policy Analysis (3)
  • SOCY-684 Seminar in Public Sociology (3)
  • SOCY-695 Internship Seminar in Public Sociology (3)
  • 6 credit hours in graduate-level courses relevant to public sociology in consultation with the graduate advisor. Courses outside the Department of Sociology may be substituted with the approval of the graduate advisor.

 

The Department seeks to support internships or practicums that involve teamwork, engage decision-makers and community groups, and develop a range of capabilities that can include: needs assessment and strategic planning, managing data collection using a range of methods of observation, interpretation of findings informed by social theory, evaluation of social programs and policies, and grant writing.

The Graduate Certificate will appeal to students who want to enhance their marketable skills and pursue a social justice agenda while learning from sociologists who work in government, community-based non-profits, research, or commercial/consulting organizations.

Please visit the Graduate Admissions Web site for application information.

To learn more, please contact John Drysdale, Department Chair, at (202) 885-2488 (drysdale@american.edu), or Gay Young, Graduate Advisor, at (202) 885-2254 (gyoung@american.edu).


Admission to the Program 

Open to students with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution. 


Certificate Requirements 

  • 15 credit hours of approved course work with at least 6 credit hours at the 600-level or above, with grades of C or better 
  • Grades of C- or D in certificate program courses are not accepted toward the fulfillment of certificate requirements, although these grades will be included in the calculation of the GPA. Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA in certificate courses in order to be awarded a certificate. Students in certificate programs must take a minimum of 6 credit hours during each 12-month period and complete the certificate in four years. International students must enroll in 9 credit hours each semester (except for summer). A maximum of 3 credit hours earned at an accredited college or university may be applied toward the certificate as transfer credit.