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Academic Opportunities

A woman in a white sweater points at a graph titled "Progress Against Poverty" while a man holds a tablet.

Study Poverty Through Your Discipline

Through PRF's academic opportunities, students develop the knowledge and analytical skills needed to better understand poverty, engage with evidence-based research, and explore how scholarship can inform effective solutions that can transform lives. Students can currently pursue academic pathways in economics or sociology, with additional disciplines anticipated in the future.

Although the concentrations are limited to students within the corresponding major, many of the specialized courses are open to all students.

Economics

Evidence-Based Poverty Alleviation Concentration

The Evidence-based Poverty Alleviation Concentration (EBPAC) allows students to study poverty through the lens of economics while developing a strong foundation in anti-poverty policy and rigorous causal inference methods. Students in the EBPAC have the opportunity to participate in a one-credit immersive learning experience trip during fall or spring break of their junior or senior year.

Interested in applying? The application is open each fall semester. Visit the Applications page for deadlines and application information.

Want to learn more before applying? Visit the Evidence-Based Poverty Alleviation Concentration page for curriculum details, course requirements, and frequently asked questions.

Sociology

Poverty Research and Social Action Concentration — New!

Beginning in Fall 2026, students can apply for the new Poverty Research And Social Action Concentration. This set of courses explores the social forces that shape poverty and inequality while equipping students with rigorous sociological research methods and analytical skills. Students learn to critically examine evidence and understand how research can contribute to more effective policies and interventions.

Sociology majors apply during the fall semester of their sophomore year, with concentration coursework beginning in the spring. Applications from juniors will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Interested juniors should contact Prof. Mim Thomas.

The concentration requires students to take three one-credit enriching experience seminars beyond the requirements of the Sociology major.

Required courses:

  • Poor Kids: Caring for the Least Among Us
  • Methods for Sociological Research* (Assignments and projects must be poverty-related and approved by Prof. Mim Thomas.)
  • Three approved electives
  • Three one-credit Enriching Experience seminars

*Applicants who have already completed Methods for Sociological Research will complete a 1-credit poverty-related research project, advised by Prof. Mim Thomas.

Interested in applying? The application is open each fall semester. Visit the Applications page for deadlines and application information.