Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work

A number of sociology students get a second major. An obvious choice is psychology, particularly if you are interested in human behavior. Many students in criminal justice studies also declare sociology as a primary or secondary major. Philosophy also combines well with sociology. We have had a number of students combine sociology with history. One enterprising student is getting dual degrees, combining mechanical engineering and sociology.

The Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work is committed to the creation, transmission and application of knowledge concerning the relationship of individuals and groups with their social and cultural environments. Our faculty are active scholars in their fields, and our students conduct their own research through coursework, capstone projects and supervised research with faculty.

A hallmark of the department is the students collegial relationships with faculty members. Students comment on the openness and accessibility of the departmental faculty. Although there are quite a few sociology majors, students feel that we are a small department. We have the opportunities of a large department with the interpersonal accessibility of a small, liberal arts college.

In our department, the student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 7 to 1. This ratio allows for much student-faculty interaction. Faculty members know majors, because they frequently work with them closely on projects and assignments. This allows for excellent mentoring of our students.

Anthropology

Anthropology is the holistic and comparative study of people around the world, including the role of culture in human adaptations to economic, social, political and environmental conditions.

Family Development

The minor in family development increases understanding of the meaning and dynamics of marriage and parenthood in contemporary society and examines contemporary issues across various stages of family life.

Law, Culture and Justice

The law, culture and justice minor is designed for students of all majors who are interested in learning about how law impacts society, how society shapes legal systems and how to expand access to just outcomes for all people.

Social Work

The study of social work provides the knowledge, values and skills needed to support people who are vulnerable because of need, crisis, health status, structural violence or other factors.

Sociology

Sociology is the scientific study of how social forces influence human behavior and social outcomes, and how human interaction shapes institutions, organizations and society more broadly.