School of Psychology, Sociology & Rural Studies

Paul Markel, Director
School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies
Agricultural Engineering 107, Box 2120
605-688-4322

Faculty

Professors

Paul Markel, Rebecca Martin, Debra Spear

Associate Professors

Abdallah Badahdah, Candace May, Tyler Miller, Weiwei Zhang

Assistant Professor

Patricia Ahmed

Lecturer

Pirita See

Instructor

Ellie Arndt

Emeritus

Allen Branum, Robert Burke, Mary Emery, Geoffrey Grant, Donna Hess, Kenneth Hillner, Diane Kayongo-Male, Virginia Norris, Brady Phelps, Meredith Redlin, James Satterlee, Ron Stover, Bradley Woldt

Overview

The School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies is a doorway to a number of exciting opportunities for students. They may choose from several programs in which they develop the skills sought by social service, human services, and criminal justice agencies as well as private, government and nonprofit employers.

The school provides a robust and challenging undergraduate curriculum that produces a sound knowledge base in the science of psychology, criminology, or sociology develops and enhances critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills to prepare students for meaningful employment, further scholarship, sociocultural and international awareness, and civic involvement and engagement. In addition, the school promotes opportunities for undergraduate research and formal internships. Alumni will go on to graduate programs in criminology, sociology, or psychology and a wide variety of other areas. Other graduates find positions in their local community, particularly in the human services, criminal justice, education, business, and human resources areas.

Programs

Majors

• Criminology (B.A./B.S.)  
• Psychology (B.A./B.S.)  
• Psychology (B.A./B.S.) - Teaching Specialization  
• Sociology (A.S.)  
• Sociology (B.A./B.S.)   
• Sociology (B.S.) - Teaching Specialization  

Minors

• Criminal Justice Minor  
• Mental Health Services Minor  
• Psychology Minor  
• Social and Human Services Minor  
• Sociology Minor  
• Youth and Community Work Minor  

Graduate Programs*

• Community Development Certificate
• Native Communities and Economic Development Certificate
• Sociology (M.S.) - Community Development Specialization

* Graduate degrees are offered in collaboration with the Graduate School. For details, see the Graduate Catalog.

Facilities & Services

The Sociology program also administers the Census Data Center, which provides businesses, organizations, news media, and local and county agencies with the latest census and rural life information.

Student Support & Engagement Opportunities

Students can participate in a number of out-of-class activities such as clubs, associations, internships and events.

The school offers opportunities for student engagement through research, internships, and student organizations. The school sponsors four student organizations, the Criminal Justice Club, the Psychology Club, Psi Chi - the International Honor Society in Psychology, and the Sociology Club.  The Psychology Club is open to any student and provides the opportunity to participate in community service, volunteer projects, and professional development as they learn about internship options, student research opportunities, and the graduate school preparation process. Psi Chi is open to qualified students, provides academic recognition, and seeks to nurture the spark of that accomplishment by offering a climate congenial to members’ creative development.