students examining a skeleton in forensic anthropology class

Academics
Majors, Minors, and Programs
Anthropology / Sociology

Anthropology / Sociology

Anthropology asks, what shapes us as humans? Sociology asks, how does social structure shape culture? Both disciplines ask what it means to be human.

Overview

Anthropology and sociology bridge the gap between life sciences and humanities, revealing the biocultural and sociocultural nature of so much of the human experience. The program encourages students to examine their physical, cultural, and social worlds more critically. It offers students theoretical and methodological tools for examining our world and provides a framework for understanding the totality of the human condition and our responsibility for service in a global society.

Your Major Took You Where?

Anthropology/Sociology majors have gone on to a variety of graduate programs and careers.

Employers and Professions

Charleston Parks and Conservation
Food Recovery Network
Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Programme
IQTalents, LLC
AmeriCorps Vista
Deloitte

Postgraduate Study

University of Chicago
Cleveland Marshall School of Law
Columbia University
Duke University
University of Kentucky
University of Washington

Curriculum

The program includes a set of core courses in anthropological and sociological research methods and theoretical perspectives, culminating in an advanced seminar. In addition, majors are able to design the primary portion of their major according to their specific interests, with possibilities including concentrations in archaeology, sociology of health and illness, ecological anthropology, cultural anthropology, social stratification, sociology of family, sociology of religion, and sustainable communities. We also offer individualized minors in anthropology and sociology.

Major Requirements

Anthropology Minor Requirements

Sociology Minor Requirements

Experiential Learning

Students engage in hands-on learning experiences and reflection to develop skills and increase knowledge retention.

Students have completed collaborative research with faculty in a variety of settings. The sites and subjects have included archaeological digs in Peru, Israel and Mongolia, digital ethnography of social movements, community based collaborations, and studies about health & illness, social class, and family life. Many of the faculty-student collaborations have resulted in major research publications, presentations, and marketable skills in GIS, qualitative analysis, archival research, and intercultural communication.

Internships

We're committed to helping students find quality internship experiences in the career area of their choice.

Student internships have included the Primate Rehabilitation Center in Belize, Boyle County Family Court, Centre College's Title IX Office, Norton Center for the Arts, Boyle County Department of Public Health, Danville-Boyle County African American Historical Society, Field Museum in Chicago, and the Shepherd Consortium for Poverty Studies at sites all over the U.S.

Careers

Our extraordinary liberal arts and sciences education prepares students for meaningful lives and careers.

Anthropology/Sociology majors have found success in careers in social work, journalism, education, secondary and elementary school teaching, museum work, law, public health, medicine, sales and marketing, business, counseling psychology, local and federal government agencies, international development, and social science research.