Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Explore Society. Understand Culture. Create Positive Change.
The Department of Sociology & Anthropology examines the complex relationships between people, cultures, institutions, and communities. Through interdisciplinary teaching, research, and community engagement, we help students develop the analytical skills and cultural understanding needed to address contemporary social challenges.
Grounded in the liberal arts tradition and informed by Catholic social teaching, the department encourages critical inquiry, ethical leadership, and a commitment to social justice. Faculty and students explore issues such as inequality, culture, identity, globalization, health, migration, religion, family, criminal justice, and community development while engaging directly with the people and organizations working to create positive change.
Our Mission
The Department of Sociology & Anthropology prepares students to thoughtfully examine human societies and cultures through rigorous scholarship, research, and experiential learning. We foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and civic responsibility while encouraging students to apply sociological and anthropological perspectives to improve their communities and the broader world.
Teaching & Learning
Our curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical experience. Students engage in:
- Sociological and anthropological theory
- Qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Community-engaged learning
- Internships and field experiences
- Independent research
- Collaborative projects with faculty and community partners
Learning extends beyond the classroom, giving students opportunities to connect academic concepts with real-world social issues.
Areas of Study
Faculty expertise and coursework span a broad range of topics, including:
- Sociology
- Cultural Anthropology
- Social Inequality
- Race and Ethnicity
- Human Geography
- African & African American Diaspora Studies
- Family and Communities
- Globalization
- Social Justice
- Culture and Identity
This interdisciplinary approach helps students understand human experiences across cultures and societies.
Research & Community Engagement
Research is central to the department's mission. Faculty and students investigate contemporary social issues while partnering with community organizations to better understand—and help address—the challenges facing local and global communities.
Community-engaged learning, undergraduate research, and internships allow students to develop practical research skills while making meaningful contributions beyond campus.
Social Justice & Community
A commitment to social justice is woven throughout the department's teaching and scholarship. Inspired by Catholic social teaching, we encourage students to examine the social structures that shape inequality and to consider how research, public service, and civic engagement can contribute to a more just and humane society.
Academic Programs
The department offers programs that provide students with strong preparation for graduate study and careers in fields such as:
- Human services
- Public policy
- Nonprofit leadership
- Criminal justice
- Public health
- Community development
- Research
- Education
- Government
- International organizations
Majors
Minors
Meet Our Faculty
Our faculty are dedicated teachers, researchers, and mentors whose scholarship spans a wide range of sociological and anthropological topics. Learn more about their research interests, publications, and areas of expertise.