Human Ecology: Civil Society and Community Research, Ph.D.

Program Overview

The Human Ecology Ph.D. with a named option in Civil Society and Community Research (CSCR) focuses on the theoretical foundations and research methods for understanding and strengthening grassroots institutions and social networks. The program emphasizes mixed-method inquiries and prepares students for careers in academia, non-profit management, and community development. Graduates are equipped with the skills to use research and outreach to support civil society and promote the common good.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Human Ecology Ph.D. named option in Civil Society and Community Research (CSCR) focuses on theoretical foundations of grassroots institutions, nonprofit organizations, voluntary associations, and social networks that strive to benefit the common good. The program emphasizes mixed method inquiries that integrate participatory approaches with advanced quantitative and qualitative analysis. The program prepares students to use the processes of research and outreach to strengthen civil society.

Outline:

Introductory Courses (6 credits)

• INTER-HE 801: Special Topics in Human Ecology (Introductory Professional Development—1 credit)
• INTER-HE 801: Special Topics in Human Ecology (Theory and Perspectives of Human Ecology—2 credits)
• INTER-HE 793: Research Methods (3 credits)

Theoretical Foundations (9 credits)

• CSCS 775: Building Civil Society
• CSCS 785: Civic Development Across the Lifespan
• CSCS 795: Community Power and Collective Action

Methods and Applications of Community-Based Research (9 credits)

• CSCS 811: Community-Based Research: Theory and Practice
• CSCS 812: Mixed-Methods in Community-Based Research
• CSCS 813: Transformative Evaluation in Practice

Research Methods (9 credits)

• Qualitative Data Collection & Analysis (3 credits)
• Quantitative Designs & Statistical Methods (3 credits)
• Methods Elective (3 credits)
• Community Innovations for Civil Society (3 credits)
• Minor Specialization (9 credits)

Research and Thesis (6 credits)

Teaching:

The CSCR program is served by a multidisciplinary faculty who are professionally active and have strong records of national and international scholarship. They bring perspectives of many disciplines to their work, including community psychology, developmental psychology, sociology, education, medical and cultural anthropology, transformative evaluation, and community action. Reflecting the multidisciplinary orientation of the program, faculty possess expertise in areas as diverse as longitudinal modeling, interpretive interviewing, mixed methods study designs, various mapping techniques, observational methods, survey methodology, community-based research, and ethnography.

Careers:

Graduates of CSCR are prepared for careers as professors in academic departments of human ecology, community development, community research and action, nonprofit management, community sociology, applied developmental science, and program support services. Students will also be prepared for careers as senior staff in technical assistance organizations, foundations, public agencies, and advocacy/public education units. Others will choose to use their research and consultation skills to support grassroots organizations.