Summary of Majors and Concentrations Offered
Majors Offered
Anthropology Major
Anthropology majors are introduced to various anthropological fields, including Archaeology, physical or biological anthropology, and linguistic and cultural anthropology. Students have the option of concentrating in applied anthropology, Archaeology, or ethnic studies. Students interested in teaching may combine their study in anthropology with professional courses leading to qualification for certification in adolescence education (grades 7-12).
Sociology Major
Students who major in sociology undertake a curriculum designed to help them develop the ability to work with concepts, think creatively and flexibly, and look at the world in different ways - in short, to acquire the educational background necessary for becoming successful workers and good citizens in today’s world. The sociology curriculum is relevant to careers in counseling, gerontology, human services, law, law enforcement, probation work, public administration, management, personnel, and international relations. The major also prepares students for a variety of careers in the private and public sectors that require an understanding of race and ethnic relations, cross-cultural settings, contemporary social problems, and demographic and social transformations in contemporary society. Sociology majors have the option of choosing to concentrate in criminology or social gerontology. Students interested in teaching may combine the sociology major with professional preparation that leads to qualification for certification in adolescence education (grades 7-12).
Criminology Major
The Criminlogy Major, which began in the fall of 2003, is designed for students who want to focus on criminal justice and law. This major requires that students take 27 hours of core courses, choose six additional hours in the area of criminology and then three hours in the area of legal process. The major prepares students for careers in law enforcement at the local, state and federal levels, law, graduate programs in areas such as criminal justice, criminology, public administration and more. Please visit our Degree Offered page for information about the differences between the criminology major and the sociology major with a criminology concentration.
Concentrations Available
Applied Anthropology Concentration
Students who major in anthropology may choose a concentration in applied anthropology. Students learn about fields such as development, medical, and legal anthropology. This program prepares students to address problems related to health, education, cultural and linguistic preservation, human rights violations, and poverty in global contexts.
Archaeology Concentrations
Students who major in anthropology may choose a concentration in either Americas Archaeology or World Archaeology. These concentrations introduce students to theoretical issues related to both general anthropology and Archaeology. Students are encouraged to participate in field, laboratory, and museum projects and to work closely with faculty on research of mutual interest. The department houses the Brooks Museum, an archeological laboratory, human skeletal remains and comparative non-human skeletal materials, and a slide collection of archaeological and ethnographic selections.
Ethnic Studies Concentration
Students who major in anthropology may choose a concentration in ethnic studies and take courses that focus on cultural and power differences and similarities among groups in global contexts. Students undertake comprehensive analyses of ethnic identity, prejudice and discrimination, and social problems related to poverty and inequality.
Criminology Concentration
There are two criminology program options. Students may either major in criminology or major in sociology with a concentration in criminology. Both programs are designed for students considering careers in law, law enforcement, youth and substance abuse counseling, probation, corrections, or other areas related to a criminal justice and human services. Please visit our Degree Offered page for information about the differences between the criminology major and the sociology major with a criminology concentration.
Social Gerontology Concentration
Students who major in sociology may choose a concentration in social gerontology. This concentration introduces students to the theoretical, research, policy, and practical issues relevant to careers that involve working with the aged, developing or administering government programs aimed at older people, creating social policy on aging, and acting as a gerontological consultant in the business and public sectors.