This is a named option within the Human Ecology, Ph.D.
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.
The civil society and community research faculty areas of research include: civil society, the nonprofit sector, civic engagement, developmental psychology, community and organizational development, youth civic engagement, community psychology, applied medical anthropology, sustainability, education, inter-generational partnerships, program evaluation and learning assessment, communityuniversity partnerships, and philanthropy and giving.
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.
The CSCR program is committed to collaborations between faculty and graduate students in the arenas of research, teaching, and outreach. Current areas of scholarly activity include youth civic engagement, community organizing, inter-generational partnerships, social trust, program evaluation, coalition building, voluntary associations, adult learning, community development, place-based education and stewardship, and social change. Faculty and students not only conduct research in these areas, they affirmatively support policies and programs. The department maintains strong affiliations with the University of WisconsinMadison Division of Extension's Department of Youth, Family & Community Development.
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.