Regional Studies and Applied Research Certificate
Gain knowledge and tools necessary to understand interrelationships among the social, cultural, economic, geographic and environmental aspects of a region.
Sociology and Anthropology – Academic Certificate
Regional Studies and Applied Research, Certificate
Offered as an Academic Certification
The Regional Studies and Applied Research (RSAR) Certificate program is a 36-credit interdisciplinary certificate. The overall goal of the Regional Studies and Applied Research Certificate program is to provide students with the knowledge and tools necessary to understand interrelationships among the social, cultural, economic, geographic and environmental aspects of a region. Although the region of southern Oregon will be emphasized in some of the classes, students pursuing this certificate will learn modeling processes that are widely transferable and applicable to other settings.
A second related goal is to give students a strong foundation in research methodology and applied research. Students will have sustained engagement in research projects that will build skills in data gathering and analysis, as well as synthesizing results and communicating findings. These skills will be directly applicable in the workplace or graduate school.
Degree Fit
Program Preparation
This interdisciplinary certificate offers classes in SOAN, Environmental Studies, Geography and Economics. To access all of the upper division courses, students are encouraged to take introductory coursework in those subjects – the certificate requires GEOG 101 and SOAN 326 (prereqs include SOAN 301 and 2 of the following: SOAN 204, 205, 211, 213 or 214).
Degree Roadmap
This certificate provides students with a strong foundation in research methodology and applied research. Students will have sustained engagement in research projects that will build skills in data gathering and analysis, as well as synthesizing results and communicating findings. These skills will be directly applicable in the workplace or graduate school.
Degree Integration
Students will engage in applied research for several quarters, optimally spread over three terms as 2-4-4 credits per term. This may be accomplished by working on a specific research project at SOURCE (Southern Oregon University Research Center), working on SOURCE’s annual regional report and/or working with a faculty member on a research project.
Career Path
Become a Professional
Career opportunities for a Sociology and Anthropology degree:
- Community Organizer
- Teacher
- Cultural Resource Manager
- Social/Human Service Worker
- Non-Profit Program Coordinator
- Museum Professional
- Correctional Officer
- International Development Consultant
- Program Evaluator
- Archaeologist
- Archivist
Salary Range
$35,000-$97,000
*Median Salary of $45,000
*Based on National Average
Future Success
SOU Sociology and Anthropology Alumni
Amy Cohen - 2006
BS in Anthropology
Chair of Anthropology at Okanagan College in British Columbia & Co-founder of Radical Action with Migrants in Agriculture (RAMA), a non-profit advocating social justice for migrant and indigenous people.
Michelle Glass - 2012
BS in Sociology
Southern Oregon Regional Director of Oregon Action, a statewide social justice nonprofit.
Section Contents: Sociology & Anthropology Programs
Contact the Sociology and Anthropology Program
SOU Sociology & Anthropology Program
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6761
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