The Sociology and Anthropology program allows you to take courses in both disciplines—exploring human societies, traditions, and cultural differences over time. Professional development and hands-on learning are core components of the bachelor's degree program, as you make valuable career and personal connections in the local New York community and around the world. Our sociology and anthropology majors gain valuable real-world experience through internships and study abroad, presenting their own research at conferences and to peers, and even working with professors on research projects for professional publication. In addition to the Sociology and Anthropology major, we also offer a separate minor in sociology and a minor in anthropology.
By merging the studies of sociology and anthropology, our undergraduate program offers a unique lens through which to evaluate and understand social inequalities, connect people and place, and find ways to foster social change.
You’ll explore subjects such as family and education, the food system, genocide, and the relationships between culture and religion, the environment, and development. Courses on the Pacific, Latin America, and Indigenous North America examine cultural survival in a globalizing world.
Classes are small and led by dedicated, accessible instructors who provide close mentorship and collaborate with students on research projects. Guest speakers also visit classes to talk about their sociology and anthropology work with diverse cultures all over the world.
In the Sociology and Anthropology program, a variety of internship opportunities and hands-on learning experiences complement your liberal arts education with real-world expertise and enable you to begin to develop a strong professional network as you pursue your bachelor’s degree.
Bring your knowledge of culture and society out of the classroom and into the real world with an internship experience. Wells sociology and anthropology students have recently completed internships in the following areas:
Want to study culture, ecology, and society in Hawaii? Or conduct archeological field work here in the Cayuga Lake Basin? Wells makes it possible. Sociology and anthropology majors can pursue fascinating programs across our country and around the world. Learn more about study abroad programs at Wells.
If you’re interested in studying Sociology and Anthropology, you might also consider a minor in programs such as:
In the Sociology and Anthropology bachelor’s degree program at Wells, you’ll gain well-rounded preparation for graduate study in sociology and anthropology, as well as many other areas within the social sciences.
Recent graduates of our undergraduate program are currently working in education, volunteer and community services, counseling, social work, and a broad range of administrative positions.
Wells sociology and anthropology majors are also pursuing advanced degrees in graduate and professional programs across the country, including the Syracuse University College of Law, City College of New York, the New School for Social Research, University of Denver, Portland State University, and SUNY Albany.
Laura McClusky, Professor of Sociology and Anthropology, spoke for a panel on Sexual Assault on College Campuses hosted by the Gender Based Violence Topic Interest Group of the Society for Applied Anthropology. McClusky spent her recent sabbatical leave continuing her research among Maya in southern Belize.
Associate Professor of Sociology Dan Renfrow's recent work centers the body within sociological analysis. He often gives his students the chance to contribute to research and publications—resulting in published work in the Handbook of Social Psychology, Sociology of Sport Journal, and Routledge Handbook of Deviance Studies.
Professor of Anthropology and Religion Ernie Olson's interests include the anthropological study of the Pacific, particularly Tonga, Hawaii, and Native America. The specialized areas for his teaching and research include environmental justice, culture change, ritual studies, religion, and colonialism.
Take the first step toward earning your bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology at Wells College. Apply now.
Ready to learn more about Wells College and our Sociology and Anthropology Bachelor of Arts program? Request more information.