Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice Studies

Sociology

Sociology is the scientific study of society, including social behavior, groups, relationships, and institutions. The subjects students can study within the major are diverse, including race and ethnicity, popular culture, gender and sexuality, crime and deviance, the environment and more. The field of sociology helps illuminate the social causes and consequences of important issues from the personal to the global level. The undergraduate degree provides strong preparation for a variety of business, social service, and governmental careers, and/or graduate school. The program emphasizes practical and theoretical skills including: critical thinking about the social world, writing and communication skills, and community engagement.

Anthropology

Anthropology examines human diversity in a global context. It is the study and understanding of humans in all places and throughout time, including the effects of culture on individuals and of individuals on their society. Anthropology offers a perspective for critically analyzing culture and prepared students for multicultural career settings in the United States and abroad. The anthropology program includes coursework from all three major subfields: archeology, physical anthropology, and cultural.

Criminal Justice Studies

Criminal Justice Studies is a multi-disciplinary major with contributions from the fields of sociology, political science, and anthropology. Students learn about the four areas of the discipline – policing, courts and law, corrections, and criminology – in the introductory courses and can specialize in their area of choice through upper-level electives. While many graduates become law enforcement officers, the program prepares students for a wide variety of careers by teaching critical thinking, communication skills, and data analysis.