Department of Sociology

Undergraduate research

Exploring sociology through various research methods

As a sociology major, you might collaborate with faculty or your peers on research, or apply for funding to support your own research on a project of your choice during the academic year or during the summer. You’ll have the opportunity enroll in our honors program and to present your research.

Undergraduate honors in sociology

Interested in a long-term research project? Consider pursuing honors work, where you’ll work closely with an adviser on a topic that interests you.

The senior thesis is intended to give the exceptional student an opportunity to pursue an intensive course of independent study under the direction of a department faculty member. The course culminates in a thesis completed during the senior year. Students writing theses may be eligible for graduation with honors in sociology. Graduation with honors in sociology requires an acceptable senior honors thesis.

Below, check out recent topics and titles by our undergraduate honors students.

Sampling of recent honors thesis topics

Emerging Adults and Primary Care: Their Access and Experience by Justin Woods
La Casa ’Tà Dura: Stressors, Attribution, and Coping Among College-Educated, Unemployed Panamanians by Camilo Posada Rodriguez
A Case Study of the Worcester, Massachusetts Unmet Legal Need Crisis: A Neoliberal Obstacle Course with a Street-Level Solution by Sarah Kersting-Mumm
The Boundaries of Trans-ness: Digital Identity Work of Trans+ and Gender Non-conforming Users Across Tumblr, Twitter, and Reddit by Oliver E.P. McCormick
Reform Versus Abolition: A Case Study of MCI-Framingham by Abigail Wilkes

ClarkFEST

Once you’ve conducted your research, practice how to present it to others. Held each spring, ClarkFEST celebrates undergraduate research. Many sociology majors participate in this culminating event and present their research.

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