Sociology Research for Undergraduates

This opportunity is for first- and second-year students

• Get paid to do research with a faculty mentor for a month at the start of the summer (remote options available)
• Work alongside professors on real studies.
• Learn skills in data collection, data manipulation, analysis, and more through hands-on work with ongoing research
• Present findings at the conclusion of your experience
• Find out more.

CURE: Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience

• CURE courses offer students the opportunity to work in a small group collaborative setting alongside a faculty member. These courses are 3-credit hours and count as an engaged-learning credit
• Sociology regularly offers two CURE courses:
  • SOCL 302, Qualitative Research. Usually offered in the fall semester
  • SOCL/PLSC 311, Cook County Community Survey. Usually offered in the spring semester

• Work alongside professors on real studies involving Chicago communities, social justice issues, religion, inequality, public opinion, and more.
• You’ll gain hands-on methods training, mentorship, data skills, and the chance to present or co-author a research paper, report, or policy brief.
• Faculty often require certain courses such as SOCL 206 or SOCL 301, and may have other requirements. 
• Email sociology@luc.edu to express your interest in this opportunity or contact faculty directly. 

LUROP: Loyola Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program

• LUROP offers funding, structured mentorship, and summer or academic-year fellowships. Sociology students regularly win awards to support projects, community research, and faculty collaborations.
• Good to apply in your sophomore or junior year – apply here

• ​Sociology Capstone (SOCL 365). In the required capstone course for the Sociology major, each student designs and conducts an empirical research project resulting in a senior research paper
• Have a question you want to explore? You can design and carry out an in-depth project with a faculty mentor as an Independent Study (SOCL 397). Perfect for students preparing for grad school or wanting a serious academic challenge.
• Internship: While not strictly a research path, the Sociology Internship (SOCL 380) combines work at a sociology-related job with an independent project, which can involve research. Learn more about internships.

1. Apply for an Undergraduate Summer Research Experience in Sociology. Must be done in your first or second year.
2. Explore LUROP and STAR lab opportunities for funding, independent studies, or other structured support.
3. Apply for a LUROP fellowship- including a collaborative project with a faculty member. Apply in March for funding for the following academic year. Good to do in your sophomore or junior year.
4. Take a CURE class. Good for your junior or senior year, after you have completed SOCL 206 and/or SOCL 301.
5. Find a faculty member to work with. Look through our faculty research interests, Email a professor whose work excites you — introduce yourself and ask about openings. Meet your mentor, set goals, and start making an impact.
6. Complete your own research in SOCL 365 in your junior or senior year- by this time you’ll be a pro!

Students gain:

• Real research skills (qualitative + quantitative)
• Resume-building experience
• Faculty mentorship and recommendation letters
• Opportunities to present findings and publish
• A competitive edge for jobs, law school, grad school, public service, and nonprofit careers