Sociology/Anthropology

Earlham’s sociology/anthropology (SoAn) program provides you with a broad and deep understanding of how humans interact with and are shaped by society and culture. You also have the option to pursue a concentration in applied social sciences, which emphasizes ways sociology and anthropology can be applied to improve well-being in societies. This concentration prepares you for careers in public policy, urban planning and public health.

As a sociology/anthropology major, you will engage in your own independent projects. Earlham students have studied a broad range of topics including the campus response to a pandemic, life histories of immigrant women and the history of race in Argentina.

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91%
of work seekers who majored in the social sciences between 2018-2022 were employed, pursuing graduate school or volunteering within six months of graduation.
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Careers
Top jobs for recent graduates were in education, performing and fine arts and community and social services. Many sociology/anthropology alumni pursue volunteer opportunities with the Peace Corps, Teach for America, City Year, Americorps and Quaker Voluntary Service.
Outcomes

Recent graduates are pursuing advanced degrees in social sciences, philosophy, philanthropy & non-profit management, viking & medieval studies and more.

Critical perspectives and skills for understanding contemporary life

The sociology/anthropology program at Earlham is continually exploring new topics and current issues, both in the classroom and through collaborative faculty-student research projects.

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Ethnography lab

In the Ethnography Lab you will find our SoAn student workers analyzing data for collaborative research projects with faculty, creating visualizations and chatting about Marx and Weber. You can also come here for tips on your own sociological and anthropological work.

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Career preparation

You also have the option to pursue a concentration in applied social sciences, which emphasizes ways sociology and anthropology can be applied to improve well-being in societies. This concentration prepares you for careers in public policy, urban planning and public health.

Sociology/anthropology faculty

Our faculty

We are sociologists and anthropologists who are deeply engaged in teaching and research on a wide range of topics from hunting dogs in Tennessee, acupuncture and the Black Panthers to racial segregation, homeownership and the American Dream.

Frequently asked questions

The study of sociology/anthropology at Earlham provides you with a strong framework for understanding humans and society. Alumni have found successful and rewarding careers in schools, social service and community development organizations, public health initiatives, business and nonprofit settings, government agencies and human rights organizations.

Yes! We encourage you to consider off-campus study. Learn more about available programs via our Center for Global and Career Education.

Sociology/anthropology majors are interested in exploring questions of humanity and human society. If you enjoy engaging with questions about society and culture and want to seek out ways to improve human society through your studies, internships and careers, the sociology/anthropology major would be a great fit for you.

Next steps

EARLHAM ALERT:
We continue to monitor the effects of an industrial fire 1.1 miles from campus.
EARLHAM ALERT:
We continue to monitor the effects of an industrial fire 1.1 miles from campus.