{"id":749,"date":"2025-07-08T17:55:31","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T17:55:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/?page_id=749"},"modified":"2025-08-12T17:31:41","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T17:31:41","slug":"graduate-programs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/students\/graduate-programs\/","title":{"rendered":"Graduate Programs"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-749\" data-postid=\"749\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-749 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_oldy954 tb_first tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_xdfy954 first\">\n                    <!-- module fancy heading -->\n<div  class=\"module module-fancy-heading tb_p0yc954 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <h1 class=\"fancy-heading\">\n    <span class=\"main-head tf_block\">\n                    Explore Graduate Programs in Rural Sociology            <\/span>\n\n    \n    <span class=\"sub-head tf_block tf_rel\">\n                    Discover how you can engage, collaborate, and build your academic community.            <\/span>\n    <\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module fancy heading -->\n        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_2ngc776\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col-full tb_trqd776 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_xfir853   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <h3 class=\"module-title\">Why Pursue Graduate Study in Rural Sociology?<\/h3>    <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p data-start=\"477\" data-end=\"789\">Graduate programs in rural sociology prepare students to address the most pressing issues facing rural communities\u2014locally and globally. With research spanning environmental change, rural health, food systems, inequality, public policy, and more, these programs equip students to lead with insight and integrity.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"791\" data-end=\"805\">Students gain:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"806\" data-end=\"1069\">\n<li data-start=\"806\" data-end=\"858\">\n<p data-start=\"808\" data-end=\"858\">Interdisciplinary training in theory and methods<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"859\" data-end=\"920\">\n<p data-start=\"861\" data-end=\"920\">Hands-on research experience with real-world applications<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"921\" data-end=\"1001\">\n<p data-start=\"923\" data-end=\"1001\">Access to professional networks through the Rural Sociological Society (RSS)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1002\" data-end=\"1069\">\n<p data-start=\"1004\" data-end=\"1069\">A platform to influence rural policy, practice, and scholarship<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module divider -->\n<div  class=\"module tf_mw module-divider tb_uidi877 solid   \" style=\"border-width: 1px;border-color: #000;\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <\/div>\n<!-- \/module divider -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_r93r360   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>Featured Graduate Programs in Rural Sociology<\/h2>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_t6ld874\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col-full tb_p3q8874 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_99mg826    tb_gs589685\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h4 data-start=\"1446\" data-end=\"1553\">\u2726 <strong>Auburn University<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>As part of the world\u2019s largest industry, our work is about the economic and social impact of agriculture on local, regional, national and global scales. Our students, faculty and alumni work every day to build stronger communities and economies through business, law, public policy, trade, finance and in many other ways.<\/p>\n<p>Our mission is to seek and transmit socio-economic knowledge to the citizens of Alabama and the world. We achieve this through our teaching, research and extension programs that work in conjunction with other departments in the College of Agriculture, industry and beyond.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"cursor-pointer\" href=\"https:\/\/agriculture.auburn.edu\/students\/academics\/graduate-degrees\/masters-rural-sociology\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1625\" data-end=\"1673\">Learn More<\/a><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_cvu416    tb_gs589685\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h4 data-start=\"1944\" data-end=\"2029\">\u2726 <strong>Colorado\u00a0State University<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Sociology\u2019s M.A. and Ph.D. programs offer specialization Environment &amp; Natural Resources; Food, Agriculture, &amp; Development; Crime, Law, &amp; Deviance; and Social Inequality, Social Justice, &amp; Governance. Graduate students benefit from a professional, supportive environment with open-door access to world-renowned faculty at a Tier 1 land grant research institution. Students develop research and data analytic skills necessary to explore complex issues from multiple angles. Many unique opportunities exist for faculty-student collaboration on theoretical, applied and policy research at local, national and international levels. Financial support is available on a competitive basis for teaching or research assistantships. Fort Collins is a beautiful and sustainability-minded environment in which to live and work.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/sociology.colostate.edu\/graduate\/\">Learn More<\/a><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_vh7h143    tb_gs589685\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h4 data-start=\"1944\" data-end=\"2029\">\u2726 <b>Cornell University<\/b><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"2098\" data-end=\"2197\">The Department of Development Sociology has a unique program profile that is unmatched by any other departments of sociology in the nation. The integrated package of scholarship on development, environment, population and community is its distinguishing characteristic and comparative advantage. Faculty and students in the department conduct theoretical and applied research, teaching, and outreach on the causes, dynamics, and consequences of social, cultural, political and economic change. Development Sociology majors study how societies develop and identify the social pathways that can help build a successful career. The department is well known for international, domestic, rural, environmental, agricultural, and population studies.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2098\" data-end=\"2197\"><a class=\"cursor-pointer\" href=\"https:\/\/cals.cornell.edu\/global-development\/education-training\/phd\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"2149\" data-end=\"2197\">Learn More<\/a><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_7lhm259    tb_gs589685\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h4 data-start=\"1675\" data-end=\"1736\">\u2726 <strong>Iowa State University<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"1737\" data-end=\"1845\">Agriculture, Environment, and Development is an area of study in the Department of Sociology graduate program that engages research,\u00a0teaching, and extension activities to help understand and solve problems related to agriculture and food, the environment and natural resources, development and social change, and rural and regional issues. The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/soc-cj.iastate.edu\/academics\/signature-themes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/soc.iastate.edu\/about\/signature-themes\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1552146426229000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHcF6ng2GZKy1fwVgaHEmlXCi3AOw\">area of study<\/a>\u00a0is grounded in the disciplinary fields of rural sociology and development sociology, both of which share theory and methods with the larger discipline of sociology.\u00a0 Students engage in either independent or group research under the direction of faculty members. Students also work toward intellectual independence while developing an integrated grasp of the field.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1737\" data-end=\"1845\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.grad-college.iastate.edu\/programs\/rural_sociology\">Learn More<\/a><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_novf354    tb_gs589685\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h4 data-start=\"1944\" data-end=\"2029\">\u2726 <strong>Ohio State University<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>The interdisciplinary School of Environment and Natural Resources offers a rural sociology specialization to prepare students to engage in sociological research related to the core discipline as well as meaningfully contribute to multidisciplinary research across a range of environmental, food, agricultural, community, and development matters. The research done by our rural sociology faculty and students focuses on environmental well-being, sustainable development of natural resources, social and community quality of life, and the diffusion and impact of technology. Doctoral students can select from two tracks: Agriculture and the Environment, or Social Change and Development. Rural Sociology faculty members maintain ties to Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, and they form part of a larger cluster of social science faculty within the school.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/senr.osu.edu\/course-subject\/rural-sociology\">Learn More<\/a><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_a7tl57    tb_gs589685\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h4 data-start=\"1847\" data-end=\"1943\">\u2726 <strong>Pennsylvania State University<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span id=\"parent-fieldname-description-f771f688098dea6c61c78e8fd285ec52\">We are a vibrant, dynamic program that develops and disseminates research on rural people and places both domestically and internationally.\u00a0<\/span>Our program faculty have core strength in the discipline of sociology and a commitment to conducting applied and interdisciplinary research with colleagues in the social, natural, and biophysical sciences.<\/p>\n<div class=\"documentText\">\n<div id=\"parent-fieldname-text-f771f688098dea6c61c78e8fd285ec52\">\n<p>We provide students the opportunity to develop expertise in one or more of\u00a0<a class=\"internal-link\" title=\"Signature Areas\" href=\"https:\/\/aese.psu.edu\/graduateprograms\/rural-sociology\/signature-areas\">four signature areas<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"internal-link\" title=\"Master of Science (M.S.)\">We provide rigorous training in state-of-the-art quantitative and qualitative research methods. We support students as active professionals, including co-authoring peer-reviewed journal articles with faculty, presenting their research at local, regional, national, and international conferences, developing grant-writing skills, and becoming leaders in professional associations.<\/p>\n<p>Our graduates have gone on to launch highly successful careers in academe, government, and non-governmental research organizations.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/PennStateRuralSoc.pdf\">Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_9rxt344    tb_gs589685\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h4 data-start=\"1251\" data-end=\"1332\">\u2726 <strong>University of Wisconsin &#8211; Madison<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"1333\" data-end=\"1444\">The Departments of Sociology and Community &amp; Environmental Sociology (formerly called &#8220;Rural Sociology&#8221;) conduct a combined graduate program designed to prepare students for scholarly research, teaching, or applied work. All major areas of sociological inquiry are represented in the curriculum. Through course work and the many opportunities for research training, the students are introduced rapidly to the research problems of the field. Most students participate in faculty projects and thus acquire the spirit and technique of productive scholarly work in an apprenticeship setting. At the same time, students are encouraged to pursue their own interests.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1333\" data-end=\"1444\"><a class=\"cursor-pointer\" href=\"https:\/\/dces.wisc.edu\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1406\" data-end=\"1444\">Learn More<\/a><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_vlvu425 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_fxoz425 first\">\n                            <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_zcii266\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col-full tb_iw6j267 first\">\n                    <!-- module divider -->\n<div  class=\"module tf_mw module-divider tb_jjy2685 solid   \" style=\"border-width: 1px;border-color: rgba(44,43,42, 0.5);margin-top: 32px;margin-bottom: 32px;\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <\/div>\n<!-- \/module divider -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_qisk472   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>Featured Undergraduate Programs in Rural Sociology<\/h2>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_6gia626    tb_gs589685\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h4 data-start=\"1251\" data-end=\"1332\">\u2726 <strong>Colorado State University<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Sociology offers three B.A. concentrations:\u00a0General Sociology,\u00a0Criminology and Criminal Justice, and\u00a0Environmental Sociology. Through core sociological training and rigorous theory, methods and analytical preparation, we offer students a broad foundation for analyzing social and individual dynamics. Our faculty are strongly committed to combining teaching, cutting-edge research, and hands-on experience. Students graduate with real-world skills employers are looking for including rigorous analytical and research capabilities, writing and presenting proficiencies, creative problem solving, analytical thinking, and the ability to work effectively alongside multiple perspectives on teams that bridge disciplines.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/sociology.colostate.edu\/undergraduate\/\">Learn More<\/a><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_3opd494    tb_gs589685\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h4 data-start=\"1251\" data-end=\"1332\">\u2726<strong> Cornell<\/strong> <strong>University<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>The Department of Development Sociology has a unique program profile that is unmatched by any other departments of sociology in the nation. The integrated package of scholarship on development, environment, population and community is its distinguishing characteristic and comparative advantage. Faculty and students in the department conduct theoretical and applied research, teaching, and outreach on the causes, dynamics, and consequences of social, cultural, political and economic change. Development Sociology majors study how societies develop and identify the social pathways that can help build a successful career. The department is well known for international, domestic, rural, environmental, agricultural, and population studies.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cals.cornell.edu\/global-development\/education-training\/undergraduate\">Learn More<\/a><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_3ocx798    tb_gs589685\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h4 data-start=\"1251\" data-end=\"1332\">\u2726 <strong>Iowa State University<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>This undergraduate degree emphasizes the application of social science knowledge to issues related to agriculture and society. The interdisciplinary major draws largely on courses from sociology, political science and economics. Its goal is to prepare students to become leaders in addressing complex issues related to the social and human dimensions of agriculture at both the local and global level. Students will learn social science concepts and skills to understand, analyze and communicate complex ideas, information and data related to agricultural systems.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/soc-cj.iastate.edu\/academics\/majors\/agpolicy\/\">Learn More<\/a><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_hkkh700    tb_gs589685\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h4 data-start=\"1251\" data-end=\"1332\">\u2726 <strong>University of Wisconsin &#8211; Madison<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Sociology is the study of how societies are organized and change, and how the organization of society and social changes affect individuals, groups, and communities. Faculty and staff in the Department of Community and Environmental Sociology provide a broad view of how forces such as new technologies, globalization, changing social values, public policies, and the rise of new social movements are related to each other. In addition, we study local and practical issues such as community change, the interaction of humans and the environment, applied demography, the social issues of science and technology, and the design of more locally oriented food systems.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dces.wisc.edu\/programs\/undergraduate-program\/\">Learn More<\/a><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore Graduate Programs in Rural SociologyDiscover how you can engage, collaborate, and build your academic community. Why Pursue Graduate Study in Rural Sociology? Graduate programs in rural sociology prepare students to address the most pressing issues facing rural communities\u2014locally and globally. With research spanning environmental change, rural health, food systems, inequality, public policy, and more, these programs equip students to lead with insight and integrity. Students gain: Interdisciplinary training in theory and methods Hands-on research experience with real-world applications Access to professional networks through the Rural Sociological Society (RSS) A platform to influence rural policy, practice, and scholarship Featured Graduate Programs in Rural Sociology \u2726 Auburn University As part of the world\u2019s largest industry, our work is about the economic and social impact of agriculture on local, regional, national and global scales. Our students, faculty and alumni work every day to build stronger communities and economies through business, law, public policy, trade, finance and in many other ways. Our mission is to seek and transmit socio-economic knowledge to the citizens of Alabama and the world. We achieve this through our teaching, research and extension programs that work in conjunction with other departments in the College of Agriculture, industry and beyond. 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