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VIBRANT CURRICULUM, AWARD WINNING FACULTY
Department of Sociology

The Department of Sociology is a vibrant department with award winning faculty who excel in both research programs and course instruction.

Degree Programs

Graduate

Master's & Doctoral Programs in Sociology

We have one of the largest concentrations of sociological expertise in the Southern region offering both Master's and Doctoral programs in Sociology.
Undergraduate

Sociology

Sociology is the scientific study of society and its institutions, organizations, and groups. Sociologists study the ways that social structure and interactions shape human life.
Undergraduate

Criminology

Criminology, as a field, explores the nature and causes of crime. Criminology also examines the impact crime has on society and how in turn society responds to the social problem of crime.
Undergraduate

Social Work

Social work is a challenging and rewarding profession with the primary goal of enhancing individual functioning and promoting human rights and social and economic justice.
Undergraduate

Applied Sociology

Applied Sociology is the scientific study of methods and research to address social problems in real-world experiences. Applied Sociology majors are well prepared to enter many rewarding positions in the work force right out of college or further graduate training in law, business, community planning, architecture, medicine, politics, or academics.  

Recent News

Department

Graduation May 2025

Catherine Authement, Hailea Molina, and Kaitlyn Mills (not pictured here) graduated with their master's degree in Sociology. Congratulations!

May 19, 2025
Department

Dr. Braden Leap's research on country music cited in New York Times Op-Ed.

Click here to view the link.

May 19, 2025
Department

Two PhD Students Finalists for Graduate School Award

PhD candidates David Ademule and Megan Phillips were selected as finalists for the GTA of the Year Award at the doctoral level given by the Mississippi State University Graduate School. Congratulations, David and Megan!

May 5, 2025
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Recent Photos

Three Sociology Faculty Members Who Attended Gradation May 2024

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Masters of Science Graduates 2024

Madeline Brock, Emma Biddles, and Destiny Welch, graduated with a Masters of Science degree on May 5, 2024.

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RSS Conference Program Material

Table set up with program material at the RSS Conference.

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RSS Conference

Gbenga Elufisan presenting his research at the conference. Great job, Gbenga!

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Spotlight

Four PhD Students Graduate in May 2025

Dr. Courtney Heath, (Dr. Maggie Hagerman, Major Professor), Dr. Heather Ann Layth (Dr. Kimberly Kelly, Major Professor), Dr. Robert Kolbila (Dr. Margaret Ralston, Major Professor), and Dr. Brian Tesch (Dr. Kimberly Kelly, Major Professor) were hooded at the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony to celebrate completion of their PhD’s. Congratulations!

Learn More for Four PhD Students Graduate in May 2025

About Us

The Department of Sociology houses approximately 400 students including a master's and doctoral program in Sociology and three undergraduate majors including Criminology, Sociology, and Social Work. The Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. 

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