Student Testimonials

 

 

"The experiences that were most beneficial to advancing my career were my internship and criminology-designated courses. My classes provided me with a broad view of social problems and legal processes, which was beneficial when I entered my internship. However, the internship allowed me to fully indulge in the social systems that surround us. I was able to examine these systems on a much more personal level and see how social problems impact the town I live in. I became permanently employed with Court Services after interning and I am very grateful for the experiences I had and continue to have working with them."

Bailey Fiedler – Pretrial/Misdemeanor Probation Officer (Class of 2025)

 

"My internship proved to be an incredibly valuable experience and gave me first-hand experience of an institution at work. Sociology is all about people and community so it's extremely important to get out there and see it firsthand. My internship allowed me to realize what kind of career I didn't want while simultaneously opening doors to adjacent departments within the judicial system that I might want to pursue. Perhaps the most valuable aspect of interning at the detention center specifically was my one-on-one interactions with inmates who took part in the programs aimed to better their lives. I mostly credit my internship for being able to land a job 3 months after graduation."

Julia Goughnour – Admin and Legal Assistant (Class of 2024)

 

 

 

"Completing a sociology degree at Montana State provided me with a firm understanding of Sociology as a science and allowed me to gain firsthand experience conducting academic research. I began my academic journey in community college and was the first person in my family to attend college. Department faculty were excited to meet me where I was at and went out of their way to help me build my professional skills and pursue my goal of going to graduate school. Since graduating from MSU, I completed a clinical psychology Ph.D. program and most recently have started a tenure track assistant professor position. The mentoring and training I received while at Montana State played a crucial role in enabling my success."

Sam Murphy – Assistant Professor of Psychology, Mississippi State University (Class of 2017)

 

"I always knew that I wanted to study Anthropology, and MSU felt like the right fit, but it was the faculty who kept me engaged and excited throughout my time here. Their enthusiasm inspired me to add a second area of study in Sociology/Criminology. Each professor was so passionate and approachable that even classes outside my main interests felt meaningful. What stood out the most was how invested they seemed in their students. I knew I could ask anyone for advice, whether about graduate school, fieldwork, or research, and that they'd take the time to help. Since graduating from MSU, I've completed my MSc in Forensic Anthropology/ Archaeology and begun teaching a few classes of my own. The Anthropology/Sociology department always felt like a tight-knit community where professors truly knew you and wanted you to succeed, and that sense of connection still shapes how I teach and mentor students today."

Madison Gordon – Academic Services Coordinator & Anthropology Lecturer, Montana State University (Class of 2020)