Graduate Programs: Philosophy Statement on Graduate Education

The foundation for graduate study in Rural Sociology is the discipline of sociology, the study of human societies and social groups. Rural Sociology is a sub-field of sociology, drawing from the same theoretical and empirical foundations as the broader discipline. Graduate programs in Rural Sociology provide a systematic treatment of rural studies in addition to training in a range of theories, methods, and statistics used in the discipline of sociology.

The substance and process of graduate study must ensure that graduates:

• pursue knowledge and understanding as scholars;
• acquire theoretical and substantive knowledge in their areas of specialization;
• are appreciative of the role of systematic study and inquiry in the formulation of sociological research questions, are discerning consumers of research, and have demonstrated competence in conducting and reporting research;
• exhibit openness and respect for diverse views and opinions;
• seek new knowledge and experiences in the pursuit and commitment to lifelong learning; and
• adhere to the high ethical standards required of scholars.