Research

Members of the Michigan State University Department of Sociology are engaged in a wide variety of research projects locally, throughout the U.S., and internationally. Many of their studies are interdisciplinary in nature, involving collaboration with scholars at MSU and other universities as well as a wide range of community members ranging from policy makers and activists to technical experts.

Faculty members often collaborate with graduate students in their research projects and conjointly apply for grants, present papers, and publish books and articles. Theoretically informed research also provides the basis for instruction in classes, directed studies, and comprehensive examinations.

A considerable amount of faculty research concerns the department's three areas of specialization. However, faculty members are also involved in a wide variety of other research topics, involving scholarship on the city, race, public opinion, theory, research methods, the family, and mass media.