Student Research Opportunities

The CRC's primary mission is to provide social science students with real-world research experience. In the fall of 2008 alone, the center provided research opportunities to four graduate students in the Applied Sociology program and one undergraduate criminal justice major. Three of the gradate students presented their research at the American Society of Criminology's annual conference in St. Louis. Students received more than $3,000 in travel money and research stipends. Several more undergraduates are joining the research team in 2009.

Here's what the students are saying:

"I gained valuable experience in research design and the ins and outs/red tape associated with establishing a research study… I hope to use the knowledge I have gained in a professional setting, where I will be involved in research design, implementation, interpretation, etc."

Graduate Student, Applied Sociology

"What I liked most about the research practicum are the skills and tools it gave me to potentially become a better police officer. I learned how to pay close attention to detail, and it taught me how to write a police report properly."

Sophomore, Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement concentration)

"I thought it was going to be solely data entry but it turned out to be a lot more… When I had conversations with people in the scrap metal industry that helped me better understand that problem from a different viewpoint, and visiting St. Louis for the conference was a great experience that would have never happened in a traditional class… [I]t has helped expand my knowledge base on an ongoing problem in my field that could later prove useful when I move into specialty areas."

Graduate Student, Applied Sociology