Sociology & Anthropology
BA

Explore the social world through distinct but related branches of knowledge in the social sciences. Focus on understanding society and culture through a comparative and historical perspective. Consider the impacts of global, regional and national developments on local communities.

Sociology and Anthropology are closely related disciplines that focus on our social and cultural worlds. Both emphasize understanding systems of inequality and power, and the interrelationship between global and local processes.

Sociology and anthropology provide an excellent basis for careers that emphasize social and cultural understanding: education, international business, law and the justice system, museums and historical preservation, politics and government, public administration and non-profit organizations, public health and health care, social work, and urban planning.

You'll also be ready for graduate work in disciplines including anthropology, law, policy studies, sociology, and women's studies.

Sociology & Anthropology majors may pursue a concentration in either subject area.

Sociology concentration

Sociology is the study of social behavior and the socio-cultural settings in which it occurs. As a student in the Sociology concentration, you will:

examine the constructed nature of class, culture, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation
learn how to conduct field research in local communities
apply knowledge from research and theory to issues in the community
develop critical insights into possibilities for social change

You'll complete 36 credits in courses related to your major, including a 3-credit internship, and 120 credits overall.

Anthropology concentration

Anthropology focuses on different aspects of culture and cultural differences, particularly in non-western societies or subcultures within the U.S. As a student in the Anthropology concentration, you will:

analyze culture and power
develop a holistic perspective
study communities and cultures
learn how to conduct field research in local communities

You'll complete 36 credits in courses related to your major, and 120 credits overall.

Non-Sociology & Anthropology majors may expand their career and graduate school options by minoring in sociology or anthropology and studying the world's societies and cultures.

For either minor, you'll complete 18 credit hours, consisting of 3 core courses and 3 electives.

Enrollment in the 4+1 Teacher Preparation program allows undergraduate students to begin the education coursework towards a master’s degree in teaching (MAT) as early as the sophomore year. Half of the degree is completed as an undergraduate, reducing the time and costs of earning a graduate degree.

Student success

Genesis Barrientos '15

Genesis Barrientos received an Outstanding Student Award from the National BACCHUS Network for her work in peer health education.

Graduate School Placements

Harvard Law School
MIT
UMass Dartmouth
Yale University School of Medicine

Career Placements

Action for Boston Community
Alingsås kommun (Sweden)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Family Service of Greater Boston
Fulbright Commission (Brazil)
The May Institute
The New England Center for Children
Southcoast Hospitals Group

UMassD advantages

We encourage our students to pursue their interests through community-based research, community engagement, independent study, internships, seminars, and thesis projects.

Expand your opportunities

3+3 Law degree: If you are thinking about law school, consider UMass Law's accelerated program. Your first year at UMass Law counts as your senior year at UMass Dartmouth.