Graduate Certificate in Teaching Sociology

The certificate consists of a three-semester sequence of courses, designed to prepare graduate students in sociology to teach at the university level.

Training in development of university-level syllabi development and diversification
Training in sociology-specific pedagogy, including lesson planning and instructional design
Training in assessment
Both in-class and undergraduate guest lecture experience
Instruction in integrating technology into teaching
Training in how to teach the concepts of privilege and oppression in the classroom
Increase sensitivity and strategies to address the variety of sociological phenomena that regularly appear in university classrooms

This certificate is offered to graduate students enrolled in the Master’s Program in Sociology and others who hold a BA from an accredited university in sociology or a closely-related field, and who have a GPA greater than 2.75. Any student who has not been admitted into the Master’s program must meet graduate admissions criteria.

For more information, contact the Certificate Coordinator, Heather Albanesi.

General Requirements

Each course applied to the program must be completed with a grade of at least 3.3.
To complete the program, students are required to submit a transcript and a five-page teaching philosophy.

Course Requirements

Student Teaching (Choose A or B)

A. SOC 5100 Teaching Practicum

SOC 5100 Teaching Practicum: Graduate Student Instructor (3 credit hours)
No financial compensation
Each student will work as a Teaching Assistant for one semester (attend classes, help grade, hold review sessions for exams, etc.)
Teaching assistants will teach at least two lectures or components of lecture
Teaching assistants will write a reflection paper at conclusion of course

B. Paid Teaching Assistant

Paid $2000 for the semester (as of Fall 2017)
Expectation of 10 hours/week (duties outlined in TA application)
Teaching assistants will teach at least two lectures or components of lecture