Real-World Learning
Student learning goes beyond the classroom with unique opportunities in the community.
In the Department of Sociology, students have restored neglected Richmond cemeteries, created and worked in community gardens, mentored local elementary school children, conceptualized and designed murals for the community, created and produced documentaries on local neighborhoods and community leaders, and worked with community members to envision, secure funding and create community spaces.
Research
Digital Sociology Lab
The new Digital Sociology Lab provides digital tools, training, research and resources to students, social justice organizations, community members and activists. The lab works with a collaborative method that draws leadership across disciplines, and students, faculty and area community organizations are all treated equally in the lab.
Medical Sociology
Want to know more about health disparities? Interested in health beliefs and behaviors? The Department of Sociology partners with VCU’s Medical Campus for unique research opportunities in the field of medical sociology. Offered through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, research sites include faculty labs, the VCU Medical Center and the VCU School of Medicine.
Internships
The internship program is designed to provide students with an applied social science opportunity that combines practical work experience with academic knowledge. Internships afford students opportunities to explore potential future working environments of interest, prepare for graduate study and build their resumes.
Internships in the Richmond area are abundant. Examples of internship sites our students have worked at include:
- Equality Virginia
- Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Planned Parenthood
- Neighborhood Resource Center
- Safe Harbor Shelter
Study Abroad
Experiencing life in a different society is an excellent way to sharpen your sociological imagination and gain valuable experience. Further your study of sociology by considering a semester studying abroad. See the details at the VCU Global Education Office.