Welcome to the Department of Sociology and Anthropology

Sociology is the scientific study of social life. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Employing diverse theories and a range of research techniques, sociologists strive to understand social organization and behavior and provide a sound empirical basis for the development of social policies and programs. With particular interests in diversity, social inequality, and the forces of social change and resistance, sociology offers a critical approach to contemporary social issues.

Anthropology is a discipline of infinite curiosity about human beings. The work anthropology comes from the Greek anthropos ("human") and logia ("study"). Anthropologists study humankind. Cultural anthropologists are intrepid explorers who travel to little-known corners of the world studying exotic peoples while archaeologists dig deep into the remains of lost cultures, uncovering relics of people who vanished long ago. While many disciplines study people, only anthropology seeks to understand the whole panorama of human existence in both geographic space and over long periods of time.

The department offers Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degree in both Sociology and Anthropology and a Master of Arts degree in Sociology. We offer minors in Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology and Family Studies and coordinate interdisciplinary minors in Archaeology, Asian Studies, International Media Studies, and Native American Studies. Faculty from our department direct both the Women's Studies and Aging Studies Programs and coordinate the minor and graduate certificates offered by these programs.

The Sociology and Anthropology Department offices are located on the third floor of Andrew L. Todd Building. We welcome the opportunity to share information about our department. Feel free to contact us with comments and questions about our programs and departmental activities.