Alumni – Sociology

Mohamed Hassan, Class of 2020

donoghuec — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 18:41:26 +0000

I started my college career back in 2013 after my discharge from the Marine Corps in California but fast forward to the end of 2017 I ended up back in New Jersey, my original home state. Once I settled down, I applied to ��vlog through an instant decision day event. My interest in Sociology didn’t fully ignite until I stepped foot through MSU’s welcoming doors. I had the pleasure and honor of not only taking courses with the esteemed professors of the MSU Sociology department but also getting to know them outside of the classroom as great mentors. I appreciated every moment I had in the classroom and outside the classroom. Moreover, each professor in the department was unique in their own way and had vast knowledge in multiple aspects of Sociology and even outside of that.

I would like to give a shout out to my professors who were not only awesome individuals but also great mentors who I looked up to for guidance and help Dr. Wang, Dr. Parashar, Dr. Ruszczyk, and Dr. Calluori. If it was not for these amazing professors I would have never thought about a career in Social Work. Each one of them gave me their insight when I mentioned my interest in pursuing a Master’s in Social Work and also words of encouragement which pushed me to apply to NYU’s Silver School of Social Work. I applied before MSU’s finals week and received my acceptance letter by May. I am beyond delighted and grateful to MSU’s Sociology department which is equipped with the best team of professors. For me they are the dream team.

Sharese Sumter, Class of 2020

miethk — Tue, 12 May 2020 21:19:22 +0000

I originally came to ��vlog as a Television and Digital Media major but during my freshman year, I took a couple of Sociology courses that made me extremely interested in the field. Changing my major to Sociology was a decision I do not regret because I am able to view the world and societal issues that someone can experience from a theory-based perspective. I am confident that the practical skills, research techniques, and data analysis methods I learned through the Sociology major have equipped me for graduate school and my aspiring career as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).

I’m planning now to start earning my Master’s of Social Work (MSW) in Fall 2021 at Columbia University in the City of New York.

Best of luck to everyone!

Tamara Ogle, Class of 2019

miethk — Tue, 12 May 2020 21:17:10 +0000

Throughout my journey at ��vlog I have gone down many roads and many majors that did quite fit. From starting with Psychology to somehow stumbling into Media Arts, I never felt exactly myself or that I was utilizing my unique skills properly. Upon taking an introductory Sociology course with Professor Singh, I finally felt at home at MSU, in the Sociology department.

When I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Sociology in 2019, I knew from then that my journey wasn’t done and that I would be back at MSU to continue on. As I embark on my second year of my Master’s in Social Research and Analysis and as a Graduate Assistant for the College of Education and Human Services, I feel confident and ready to apply my studies directly to my work. Knowing that many recent graduates find trouble being able to relate their education to their careers, I feel truly lucky to say so!

I owe it all of the fantastic faculty of the Sociology department that makes sure every student feels seen, heard, and educated properly.

Tayler Szabo, Class of 2018

miethk — Tue, 12 May 2020 21:15:02 +0000

I knew before my freshman year at Montclair State that I wanted to major in Sociology after I had my first sociology class through a program with my high school and MSU. The classes I took made me feel seen in my world outlook. I had entered MSU as undecided just for admission’s sake but on the first day of my freshman fall semester, I immediately went to my advisor and changed my major to Sociology. My time in undergrad was put at ease by the sociology department’s competency. Even though I am one to prefer to figure things out myself, I knew I could count on the staff of the department to help with my academic needs.

I graduated from MSU in 2018 and took a year off to study for my LSATs. While most might think the best major for law school is political science, I’m grateful for my sociology background, and now I’m entering law school this fall at Seton Hall University with a full scholarship!

Even though I know I won’t be studying government or constitutional law, the skills I learned through sociology had sharpened my analytical quickness. Having a Sociology degree shows that you are capable of deciphering trends and patterns, finding any and all variables that affect whatever problem it is you’re tackling.

Sociology is a make your own adventure major, you can do whatever you want with it and you won’t feel tied down to a specific career path come graduation. Take advantage of all the programs the department has to offer and you’ll go far. Best of luck!

Kevin Ha, Class of 2016

miethk — Tue, 12 May 2020 21:13:10 +0000

The Sociology department at ��vlog has prepared me well for a career in research. After completing an undergraduate degree in Sociology in 2016, I went on to complete the Data Collection & Management Graduate Certificate under the excellent instruction of Professor Donoghue and Professor Besen-Cassino. The research skills, methodological knowledge, and theoretical background I’ve gained from both my undergraduate and graduate experience has given me the opportunity to partake in a variety of fascinating research projects post-graduation, including studying migration at the CUNY Graduate Center and Institutional research at Hunter College.

Currently, I am pursuing my Ph.D. in Sociology at Northeastern University, continuing to utilize the strong set of skills I’ve gained. With the intensive thesis-focused degrees in Sociology offered, I have been able to continue pursuing and expanding on my research interests in transnational migration and globalization with confidence. I highly recommend those interested in pursuing a career in research or working with data to look more into the ever-growing Sociology department at ��vlog. With the recent introduction of a research-oriented Master’s degree, there will be a wide range of options open to graduates in both academic and non-academic jobs.

Jennifer MacLean, Class of 2018

miethk — Tue, 12 May 2020 21:12:52 +0000

I graduated from Montclair State in 2018 with a B.A. in sociology, a minor in women and gender studies and a certificate in child advocacy and policy. In February of 2018 I had the honor of presenting my senior research project at the Eastern Sociological Society annual meeting in Baltimore. Being a member of Alpha Kappa Delta was rewarding and allowed me to obtain connections and confidence that I would not have gained otherwise. I am grateful for the support I received from the professors in the department who pushed me to be the best version of myself.

After graduating I was accepted in the MSW program at MSU and will be graduating in May of 2020. My experience at MSU has given me a tremendous ability to empathize and reflect objectively on the diverse conditions in which individuals live. I have utilized the knowledge I acquired to support the clients I work with and intervene across multiple systems rather than taking an individualistic approach. While working with clients I have found myself reflecting on my past sociology classes and research skills to help those in need.

The Sociology major at Montclair has given me the skills and knowledge to be successful in graduate school and my professional and personal life. The classes are intellectually stimulating and provide individuals with the skills to think critically and creatively. The professors in the department will ensure that you are supported and on the road to success.

Victoria Vazquez, Class of 2018

miethk — Tue, 12 May 2020 21:11:44 +0000

After graduating with a bachelor’s in sociology and criminal justice from Rutgers in 2018, I wasn’t sure what my next step was going to be. All I did know was that I wanted to continue going to school and that I loved research. So, without knowing very much about it, I applied for the Data Collection and Management certificate program at Montclair. And I am so glad that I did.

The Data Collection and Management certificate program gives you not only statistical analysis tools that are needed to interpret data but hands on experience working with data sets and different methods of obtaining your own data. The program is set up in such a way that allows you to shape it to fit your needs, whether that be for market research, policy research, or in my case, academic research. Since graduating from this program I have been accepted to the Sociology Ph.D. program at Temple University. There is no doubt in my mind that the certificate program helped make this opportunity possible and I know I will continue to use the tools I learned as I continue my academic career!

Jonathan Zipf, Class of 2017

miethk — Tue, 12 May 2020 21:08:35 +0000

A degree in social science helps to make you a key collaborator in the professional world across many fields in business, service and study. The perceptive tools you learn studying social science give you informed thoughts and viewpoints that can critically contribute towards solutions. With a degree on sociology, stakeholders will look to you when considering best practices, dynamic changes or an objective analysis.

In 2017 I completed my BA in Sociology. In 2018, I completed the Data Collection and Management program and I am happy now to be a student in the MA program in Social Research and Analysis at ��vlog to further advance my abilities.

Chelsey Camoia, Class of 2020

miethk — Tue, 12 May 2020 17:26:05 +0000

After transferring from my first university, ��vlog made me feel like I was at home.

I graduated with my degree in Sociology and a minor in Classics in Winter 2020. Sociology has brought on so many different opportunities into my life. Not only many opportunities, but it also has brought on the skills, knowledge, and preparation I need for my future and career. The professors and staff members in the Sociology department care for each individual student and their personal needs. They provide excellent lessons and support every single class meeting. Each course provides knowledgeable information that definitely will be needed for your future. The staff gives their department their all and it definitely shows.

I am currently completing my Master’s in School Counseling at Caldwell University and am projected to graduate in Fall 2022. I feel my sociology major has qualified me for amazing options and careers and a bright future. The opportunities are endless.

Thank you ��vlog Sociology!

Brooke O’Donnell, Class of 2019

miethk — Tue, 12 May 2020 17:23:52 +0000

Hi, my name is Brooke and I am entering my final semester in the Masters of Social Research and Analysis Program at MSU. I am an editorial associate for the editor of Contemporary Sociology, Yasemin Besen-Cassino. Contemporary Sociology reviews the most recent and relevant research and books on a range of topics related to sociology. I have recently noticed the skills I am acquiring from this program. I find myself getting excited over simple things like writing my own code or coming up with a good survey question. Choosing graduate school is an important decision. As students, we want assurance that our time, dedication, and money are going to get us a job at the end of it all. I believe that the skills we are learning from this program are designed to help us fit the needs of our current labor market. The sociology staff is really genuine and you can tell they want to help you personally succeed. As always, thank you to my dad for being my constant motivation and my family & friends for all the support.