Thematic Areas

As part of the 2017-2021 Strategic Plan, the College of Social Science requested proposals for thematic areas that involved interdisciplinary faculty hiring initiatives and research priorities aimed at addressing some of the most pressing or emerging social problems facing the region, nation and world. As part of that process,  five focal or thematic areas were selected. Each thematic area cluster brought together new and existing faculty from multiple social science disciplines to engage in interdisciplinary projects. Much of this work now continues as part of research and scholarship of the individual faculty members. However, all College financial support concluded by the end of the 2024-2025 Academic Year.

Coastlines and People

The mission of the Coastlines and People Project was to better understand coastal change and provide information to citizens and decision-makers that helps them adapt to these challenges.

Consortium for Sexual and Gender Minority Health

The mission of the Consortium for Sexual and Gender Minority Health was to study the experiences of sexual and gender minority (SGM) communities across the life span within the healthcare system. 

Future of Work initiative

The mission of the Future of Work initiative was to assess how emerging technologies affect a wide variety of groups and outcomes and evaluate how organizational strategies can best improve workers’ lives.

MSU Youth Equity Project

The mission of the MSU Youth Equity Project was to reduce disparities and advance health, justice, and well-being among youth and families through community-engaged, interdisciplinary research. 

Minority Politics Project

The mission of the Minority Politics Project was to better understand the political engagement of groups with limited influence in decision making processes.