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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Recent graduates are pursuing advanced degrees in social sciences, philosophy, philanthropy & non-profit management, viking & medieval studies and more.
“I want to work in a hands-on environment to ensure that people are in the best possible health. I think SoAn will give me the skills necessary to pursue a career focused on ways to make peoples’ lives and communities better.”
Kamau “TiQi” Brown ’16
Sociology/anthropology major
“When I found SoAn, a whole major dedicated to people and social interactions of people, I couldn’t think of anything else I wanted to do. I love talking to people, and relationships fascinate me.”
Ana Rabut ‘16
Sociology/anthropology major
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.
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.
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.
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.