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Sociology and Anthropology are social science disciplines that focus on the study of humans, social institutions and culture. 

Teaching and research strengths in the department include medical anthropology; applied sociology/anthropology; research methods (visual, ethnographic, and quantitative); Appalachian studies; gender; social class inequality; and race and ethnicity. 

Our faculty consists of five full-time anthropologists and five full-time sociologists. Geographical expertise among faculty includes Ecuador, Brazil, China, France, Mexico, Russia, and Southern Appalachia.The department also offers an annual archaeological field school on the Cumberland Plateau.

Southern folk artist, Sam, Kentucky Folk Festival, Alabama

Sociology is the study of people interacting with others individually, in social groups, and in social systems. The sociology program offers B.A. and B.S. degrees, as well as a minor in sociology. We also have a graduate program where students can pursue a M.A. degree in sociology. In this program, students can choose a traditional thesis option or the applied concentration.

Anthropology is the study of humankind from its beginnings millions of years ago to the present day. The Anthropology major embraces a comparative and holistic approach to the study of humans in different cultural settings and covers the subfields of cultural anthropology, archaeology, and physical anthropology. The anthropology program offers a B.A. degree and a minor in anthropology.

Anthropologists and sociologists are social scientists concerned with understanding the human condition, past and present, and equipped with the skills of developing rapport in unfamiliar situations, collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, thinking analytically at the macro and micro levels, and communicating effectively, both orally and in writing. All of these skills are highly relevant to the multicultural and global world we live in today. Anthropology and sociology students in our program are well-prepared for further academic study, and/or for pursuing careers in social services, criminal justice, education, research, health fields, social and corporate marketing, business consulting, policy planning, program evaluation, and community and international development.

Sociology & Anthropology Quick Links

Field School

An archaeology field school is currently being offered.

Career Opportunities

Find out what you can do with a degree in Sociology or Anthropology

Our Current Grad Students

View our current graduate students