Department Overview

Our Past and Present

 Founded in 1928, the Department of Sociology was originally established as an academic unit in LSU’s College of Arts and Sciences. Prior to that time, sociology was a component of the Department of Economics and Sociology. At its inception, Fred C. Frey was the department’s sole member. Dr. Frey completed his PhD at the University of Minnesota under the direction of Pitirim Sorokin, one of the most important early figures in American sociology. In the years that followed, the faculty and student ranks in the department grew. In addition to undergraduate instruction, the department began training graduate students, awarding its first MA in 1931 and first PhD in 1937.

 

Today, the department continues to carry on a tradition of excellence in research, teaching, and service as a unit in LSU’s College of Humanities & Social Sciences. Our award-winning faculty are internationally recognized scholars. Our undergraduate teaching program serves thousands of students every semester. And we are home to a vibrant graduate teaching program, which offers the only PhD in sociology in the state of Louisiana. We invite you to explore our website to learn more!