In addition to classroom experiences, sociology students have many opportunities to learn and grow in other contexts. All students in our department engage in real-world, immersive learning experiences. Students may also choose to earn credit toward graduation while studying abroad. Many are involved with the local chapter of AKD, our disciplinary honor society. Students are also encouraged to augment their professional development by attending annual meetings of the American Sociological Association and the North Central Sociological Association.

Immersive Learning

students preparing food in the Second Harvest Food Bank kitchenImmersive learning brings together student-driven teams guided by sociology faculty mentors to create high-impact learning experiences.

In our methods (SOC 380) and capstone (SOC 492) classes, students earn credit for working collaboratively with nonprofits and government agencies to address community challenges.

Past community partners include Second Harvest Food Bank, Henry County Drug Court, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Project Leadership, United Way, and more!

Get Involved

Call 765-285-5977 or email Laura Waldron for more information and to find out how immersive learning fits into your program of study.

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Are you interested in interdisciplinary immersive learning opportunities?

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In addition to immersive learning projects, sociology students experience real-world application of their classroom projects in a wide range of internship opportunities.

Whether you work within our existing partnerships or forge your own path with an organization whose mission you are passionate about, you can earn sociology credit while also developing valuable transferable skills and career networks.

Find an Internship

a group of students in Costa RicaSociology students have the opportunity to study abroad in numerous countries and earn credit toward their degree. Programs are led by faculty from Ball State and other institutions, and are offered during regular semesters as well as summer sessions and for shorter durations. Internship credit may be available.

Students are invited to explore the options available through Ball State’s Rinker Center for Global Affairs.

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Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) is an international honor society that provides service, research, and social opportunities to sociology students.

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Student and faculty participation in professional organizations enables the sharing of expertise and the development of professional networks beyond our institution. Many individuals in our department are members of the American Sociological Association (an international association) and the North Central Sociological Association (a regional association). Both associations hold annual conferences, where our faculty and students regularly present research, participate in panels, and engage in other professional development activities.

The American Sociological Association (ASA) is an international organization. Members gather for their annual meeting in August; the location varies by year. The submission deadline for papers, symposia, courses, workshops, etc. is typically in January, but attendees may register to attend until much closer to the conference date.

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Our faculty maintain connections with many associations; however, the department is perhaps most heavily involved with the North Central Sociological Association (NCSA). Members gather for their annual meeting in late March or early April; the location varies by year. The submission deadline for papers and other presentations is typically in December or January, but attendees may register to attend until much closer to the conference date.

Our department usually brings a contingent of students to this conference to present their work and engage in other professional development activities.

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