• The core component of the public sociology program is community engagement. MSU’s program aims to develop the professional skills that complement the sociological imagination; skills that take into account the ability to understand how individual and group behavior is shaped by society's historical development, how personal problems are connected to public issues of social structure, and how to work with others to improve social conditions.
  • The program also encourages the practice of public sociology, which applies the sociological imagination to public affairs in the form of community engagement that develops citizenship skills. To align with Missouri State's public affairs mission, the sociology program develops cultural competency through examining how social categories and social systems—such as race, gender, sexuality, class, age, and citizenship status—interact to structure social action and create human diversity. Finally, it promotes ethical leadership by demonstrating how responsible citizenship is informed by issues of social justice.
  • Students obtain the skills that will make them more effective members of your community.
  • They will understand community problems and their connection to public issues of social structure and develop skills that will make them immediately employable in many fields.
  • They will have the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research that can actively change policy and influence policymakers and community leaders.
  • Learning outcomes:
    • Students will demonstrate knowledge of core sociological concepts.
    • Students will demonstrate knowledge of how to use theory to conceptualize a sociological problem.
    • Students will develop an ability to use social science research methods to address sociological questions.
    • Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate sociological knowledge to others.
    • Students will develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to be engaged members of the community.
    • Students will possess analytical skills in areas such as policy analysis, administration/management, communication, quantitative analysis, and problem-solving.