Future Students
The Department of Sociology is part of the College of Social Science, and also has formal ties with the Colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Human Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, and Education.
In addition, many faculty have informal ties with various other departments in the College of Social Science , and with the College of Communication Arts and Sciences and the Eli Broad College of Business. Department members are involved in area studies and development studies through their involvement with such units as the African Studies Center, the Asian Studies Center , the Center for European and Russian Studies, the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, the Center for Advanced Studies in International Development, and the Center for Women in International Development. Department members are involved in ethnic and regional studies through their connections with the Julian Samora Research Institute, the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research, and the Urban Affairs Programs. Department members are engaged in particular topical areas of sociology through their involvement in the National Food Safety and Toxicology Center, the Center for Integrated Plant Systems, and the Center for Environmental Toxicology.
Graduate education in the Department of Sociology is intended to develop professional sociologists who will be creative research scholars, teachers, and practitioners.
The Department is redefining our scholarly future under the thematic rubric of Global Transformations with the four focus areas of Gender and Family, Health and Well-Being, Food, Environment, Agriculture, Science, and Technology (FEAST), and Urban, Race, and Migration.
Area Specializations
Applying to the Program
Degree Requirements
Course Descriptions
Guidance Committee
The Graduate School
Faculty
The overall mission of the Department of Sociology is to create and disseminate sociological knowledge through research, teaching and public service. As a department, we have a strong commitment to undergraduate education, and all faculty participate in the undergraduate program. The basic principles of our undergraduate program emphasize an active, community-based approach to learning; the mastery of writing, numerical, critical thinking; and analytical skills. They also include student responsibility for learning, an emphasis on active learning and research skills, doing sociology, team learning, competence with computers, development of job skills, development of life skills, and considering the world as a classroom.
The undergraduate program in sociology at Michigan State University is a constantly evolving and changing program and has undergone major revisions. The department's Undergraduate Education Committee has issued a set of principles.
Advising
Degree Requirements
Career Services
Applying for Admissions & Aid
Computer Requirement for Incoming Freshmen
Connecting with your interests
Orientation
Planning Your Classes
MSU Students and the Community
Faculty
