Sociology/Anthropology - Sociology

The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Anthropology is an interdisciplinary program designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of human social life and cultural diversity. Drawing upon the complementary strengths of both sociology and anthropology, the program allows students to specialize in either field while gaining exposure to the perspectives and methodologies of both disciplines. This dual approach equips graduates with the ability to analyze complex social issues on local, national, and global scales.

Students who pursue the Sociology concentration focus on the systematic study of social relationships, institutions, and structures. They examine how factors such as class, race, gender, technology, urbanization, and globalization influence the way societies are organized and how individuals experience daily life. Coursework encourages students to engage with pressing contemporary issues, such as the impact of corporate downsizing on communities, the rise of digital and mobile technologies in shaping identity and communication, urban blight and gentrification, inequality in education and employment, and the relationship between law, politics, and social justice. Emphasis is placed on both theory and practice, enabling students to use sociological frameworks to better understand—and propose solutions to—real-world problems.

The Anthropology concentration emphasizes the comparative and holistic study of human cultures, past and present. Students learn how people around the world construct meaning, organize their societies, and express their values through social practices, rituals, and governance. Anthropological study covers a wide range of topics, including kinship and family structures, religion and belief systems, political organization, language and communication, cultural adaptation, and globalization. Students also engage with applied anthropology, addressing issues such as the cross-cultural delivery of healthcare, immigration and refugee integration, indigenous rights, and cultural preservation in the face of modernization. Fieldwork and ethnographic study are central, providing students with direct experience in observing and analyzing cultural practices in context.

Throughout the program, students acquire a strong foundation in research design, critical thinking, and analytical skills. They are trained in diverse methodologies such as ethnography, participant observation, interviews, survey research, statistical sampling, computerized social data analysis, and geographic information systems (GIS) for mapping social and cultural phenomena. These skills prepare students not only for graduate study but also for professional careers in a wide range of fields.

Graduates of the Sociology/Anthropology BA program enter careers in education, public policy, social services, healthcare, urban planning, non-profit and humanitarian organizations, law, business, and government agencies. They are particularly valued for their ability to navigate cultural differences, interpret complex social dynamics, and approach problem-solving from a holistic, human-centered perspective.

By combining the strengths of sociology and anthropology, this program fosters in students a global perspective, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to social responsibility. It prepares them to engage thoughtfully with diverse communities and to contribute meaningfully to addressing the challenges of today’s interconnected world.