About sociology
Sociology is the study of social behavior and the socio-cultural settings in which it occurs. It involves the study of whole societies and their basic institutions as well as smaller scale groups such as the family, peer group, and neighborhood. Sociology has long been a popular major for students planning futures and further training in such professions as social work, law, politics, education, public administration, public health and health care, and urban planning. A major in this department provides a foundation for social action as well as for graduate work in a variety of disciplines including policy studies, sociology, anthropology, and women’s studies.
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About the anthropology option
Anthropology and sociology overlap somewhat, although anthropologists are more likely to study non-western societies or subcultures in the U.S. and to focus on understanding culture and power in a global context. Our program emphasizes the development of a holistic cross-cultural perspective and offers exposure to ways of life in the United States as well as in other societies around the world. Our faculty has expertise in societies in Asia, Africa, South America, Europe as well as the U.S. Students graduating with an anthropology degree may pursue other advanced degrees in a wide range of fields such as women’s studies, anthropology, social work, and education. They will also be prepared for jobs in fields that require an understanding of cultural difference and social inequality such as: teaching and educational policy; social services; museum and historical preservation; government and public service; environmental assessment; urban planning and development; medical and public health; and business.
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About the crime & justice studies option
The program in crime and justice studies is an interdisciplinary concentration grounded in the liberal arts tradition. The study of crime and justice encourages broad theoretical inquiry on issues of social and criminal justice. Its scope includes social sciences, humanities and the law. This is an interdisciplinary program that draws on a range of resources across the University and provides rigorous intellectual challenges. The program will focus on the social ethical considerations unique to the field of crime and justice, with the goal of giving students new opportunities to combine a university education with enhanced avenues for career advancement and public service.
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Admission into the Department
Students intending to major in sociology or the sociology/anthropology option must see the Department Chair who will discuss the program with them, make the admission decision, and help the student arrange for a permanent advisor. Students intending to major in the sociology/crime and justice studies option or the crime and justice studies major must see the Director of the Crime and Justice Studies Program to be admitted. To be admitted into the Department as a major, a student must have a minimum of 54 credits and a minimum of 2.0 G.P.A overall. Students majoring in a college other than Arts & Sciences and choosing to minor in sociology or anthropology do not need to fulfill College Distribution Requirements. See Advising for more information and relevant forms.
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