The Graduate Field of Sociology requires that students obtain at least a semester's worth of collaborative research experience. This requirement should be fulfilled by working with a faculty member in the Field of Sociology or in a related field, arranged in consultation with the Special Committee. The determination that this requirement has been satisfied rests with the Special Committee. This requirement generally will be fulfilled in a student's second or third years. However, first-year students are encouraged to begin working with at least one faculty member on a research project, to be exposed to, and learn, the research process.
Students are responsible for arranging their own research apprenticeships.
The Research Apprenticeship is designed as a learning experience. It is hoped that a given apprenticeship will grow into a continued collaboration between student and faculty members that will enhance a student's professional career. The Research Apprenticeship may take many forms, ranging from working on tasks assigned by the faculty member to collaboration and co-authorship of major research work. It should generally lead to a product such as a co-authored paper. Students should not be assigned solely tasks that are substantially below their level of skill.