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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

Social Work

Jada Johnson earns Field Coordinator of the Year Award

Social Work Program’s Jada Johnson (left) received the award for the Field Coordinator of the Year—Mississippi from Dr. Daniela Werner (right) at the 53rd Annual Alabama-Mississippi Social Work Education conference last week at Auburn University. Johnson was nominated by a colleague at another social work program in Mississippi, reflecting the recognition her commitment to field education receives beyond MSU.

October 3, 2025
Sociology

Graduate Pizza Party

The Sociology graduate students and faculty kicked off the semester with a warm and welcoming back-to-school pizza party! It was a wonderful opportunity for new and returning graduate students to connect with each other and faculty in a relaxed setting. Conversations flowed easily over pizza and refreshments. The event set a positive tone for the year ahead! Thank you to everyone who joined us—we’re looking forward to more opportunities this semester to build community, share ideas, and support one another’s work. Here’s to a great start to the academic year!

October 2, 2025
Department

Dezyre Jones receives the Clifford C. Clogg Scholarship in Sociology

Congratulations to Dezyre Jones, one of our hardworking master's students, who won the Clifford C. Clogg Scholarship in Sociology, beating out over 750 other applicants! The Clifford C. Clogg Scholarship was developed at the request of the methodology sections of the American Sociological Association and honors the late Clifford C. Clogg, an innovator in quantitative social research methods. The scholarship supports the participation of graduate students in the ICPSR Summer Program. Find out more about the scholarship and others like it by clicking on the box. Please join me in congratulating Ms. Jones on this achievement!

September 3, 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!

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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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