Prof. Dr. Mihai SERBAN

Rybnik University Education Network

Prof. Dr. Mihai SERBAN

Professor of Sociology & Social Work | PhD in Social Sciences
“Understanding society begins with listening to people. My mission is to teach not only how to analyze social structures, but how to transform them through empathy, research, and action.”

I am a sociologist, researcher, and social policy consultant with over 20 years of experience in teaching, community development, and applied social research. My work bridges academic sociology with the realities of social work practice—empowering students and professionals to see the human stories behind social data.

Currently serving as Professor of Sociology and Social Work at Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, I lead research on social inequality, family dynamics, and the impact of digitalization on human relationships. I also collaborate with NGOs and public institutions in designing evidence-based social programs for vulnerable communities.

My academic philosophy combines scientific rigor with human compassion. I believe that education in sociology and social work must go beyond theory—it should inspire moral responsibility and civic engagement.

Contact & Connect
Email: Prof.Dr.MihaiSERBAN@RybnikUniversity.edu.pl
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/
Schedule Consultation: calendly.com/

About Me

Academic Credentials

PhD in Sociology
Dissertation: “Social Cohesion and Marginalization in Post-Industrial Europe: A Comparative Study”
Master of Social Work and Community Development
(2004)

Bachelor of Sociology and Anthropology
(2001)

Professional Certifications

Certified Social Worker (European Federation of Social Workers – 2020)
Certificate in Research Ethics & Social Policy – UNESCO (2018)
Advanced Training in Community Mediation and Conflict Resolution – OSCE (2015)
Trainer Accreditation – (2013)

Professional Experience

Professor of Sociology & Social Work
| 2015 – Present

Courses in Social Theory, Research Methods, and Community Intervention
Director of the Center for Applied Social Research and Innovation (CASRI)
Supervised 10 PhD theses and 40+ master’s dissertations
Co-founder of the Social Impact Lab, mentoring student-led social initiatives
Consultant for UNICEF and UNDP social inclusion programs in Eastern Europe

Associate Professor of Sociology
| 2008 – 2015

Taught Social Policy, Sociology of the Family, and Qualitative Research Methods
Coordinated national study on youth unemployment and social integration
Conducted research on migration, rural development, and civic participation

Social Work Practitioner & NGO Coordinator
| 2002 – 2008

Designed and implemented social programs for families in crisis and at-risk youth
Supervised field teams in 10 rural communities across Transylvania
Led training sessions for social workers and volunteers on ethical case management

Publications & Research Contributions

Conferences & Keynotes:

“AI and the Future of Social Work” – International Sociology Congress, Paris (2024)
“Social Policy and Justice in the Age of Inequality” – European Welfare Forum, Brussels (2023)
“Youth, Migration, and Belonging” – Global Social Sciences Symposium, Lisbon (2022)

Teaching Experience

University Courses:

Introduction to Sociology
Theories of Social Change
Social Policy and Welfare Systems
Research Methods in Social Sciences
Ethics and Values in Social Work
Community Development and Empowerment

Workshops & Applied Practice:

Field research and social diagnosis
Social case management and supervision
Participatory community planning
NGO management and advocacy

Mentorship & Supervision:

Academic advisor for sociology and social work students
Mentor for Erasmus+ projects on youth inclusion
Trainer for continuing education of social professionals

What I Teach

1. Sociology & Social Theory (All Levels)

Classical and contemporary sociological thought
Structure, culture, and social interaction
Critical theory and globalization studies

2. Research Methods in Social Sciences (Intermediate to Advanced)

Quantitative and qualitative data collection
Field research, focus groups, and interviews
Data analysis with SPSS and NVivo

3. Social Work & Case Management (Intermediate)

Needs assessment and intervention planning
Working with families, children, and marginalized groups
Ethics, empathy, and reflective practice

4. Community Development (Advanced)

Participatory planning and local governance
Social entrepreneurship and innovation
Program evaluation and social impact measurement

5. Social Policy & Welfare Systems (All Levels)

Comparative welfare models
Policy design and evaluation
Human rights and social justice frameworks

Teaching Philosophy & Methodology

My Approach:
Sociology and social work are not only sciences—they are commitments to understanding and improving the human condition. My teaching is based on dialogue, critical inquiry, and real-world engagement.

Learning Model:

Theory to Practice – Linking academic knowledge with lived experience
Collaborative Learning – Group projects and peer discussions
Field Engagement – Case studies and community visits
Reflection & Ethics – Emphasis on self-awareness and professional integrity

Core Teaching Values:

Empathy: Understanding before judging
Rigor: Grounding social action in scientific evidence
Empowerment: Teaching students to become agents of change
Collaboration: Building bridges between academia and society

Student Testimonials

Testimonial 1:
“Professor Popa has an extraordinary ability to connect theory with life. His classes changed how I see people and communities.”
— Ioana V., Master’s Student in Social Work

Testimonial 2:
“He challenges you intellectually but supports you personally. I discovered my passion for community development thanks to his mentorship.”
— Daniela P., NGO Project Coordinator, Cluj

Testimonial 3:
“Every lecture feels like a dialogue about the world we live in. Professor Popa inspires a deep sense of responsibility and hope.”
— Mihai R., Sociology Graduate

Rates & Scheduling

Private Mentoring / Academic Tutoring (Sociology & Social Work)

Individual Sessions: 220 PLN/hour (€48/hour)
10-Session Package: 1,950 PLN (10% off)
20-Session Package: 3,600 PLN (18% off)

Group Workshops (2–5 participants):

350 PLN/hour total

Availability:

Weekdays: 17:00 – 21:00 CET
Saturdays: 09:00 – 15:00 CET
Sundays: By appointment

Booking Process:

Email your learning or research goals
Schedule a free 20-minute consultation
Receive your personalized mentoring plan

Cancellation Policy:

24h notice: no charge
<24h: 50% fee
No-show: full session fee

Languages

Romanian – Native
English – Fluent (C2 level)
French – Intermediate (B1 level)
German – Reading proficiency

Professional Memberships

International Sociological Association (ISA) – Member since 2012
European Association of Schools of Social Work (EASSW) – Senior Member
International Sociological Society –t (since 2020)
European Network for Social Policy Research – Contributor

Additional Information

Work Environment: Dedicated academic office equipped for hybrid teaching; access to SPSS, NVivo, and digital collaboration platforms.
Student Requirements: Curiosity about human behavior, interest in social justice, and willingness to engage in reflective discussions.
Preferred Student Profile: Students of sociology, social work, psychology, or public policy; professionals in NGO or social services.
Current Projects: Principal investigator of “Youth Transitions and Digital Society” (Horizon Europe Project, 2025–2028) and co-editor of “Social Work Ethics in a Post-Pandemic World” (Palgrave Macmillan, 2025).