Department of Sociology and Anthropology

What does it mean to be a human being?
As a sociology and anthropology student at Agnes Scott, you will explore this question in a variety of ways.

Sociology focuses on the study of human society including social action and social organizations. Anthropology compares societies and cultures, looking at both the unity of humankind and the different ways societies meet basic human needs.

In the sociology and anthropology program, you will examine familial kinship patterns, analyze voting patterns of women and men in national elections, participate in local internship programs and present your research findings at professional conferences. You can also organize cross-cultural research internships or living experiences through Agnes Scott’s Global Awareness program, as well as pursue fluency in a foreign language.

Study in a Program with a Unique Focus
Our courses focus on women, race and class, and many are cross-referenced in the women’s studies and Africana studies programs. This gives you a unique vantage point not common at most coeducational colleges and universities. Sample courses include Marriage and the Family; Women in Latin America; Race, Class and Gender; Women, Health and Society; and Household and World Systems.

Enjoy Close Working Relationships with Faculty
Our small classes and low student-teacher ratio mean you have the opportunity to make connections with your professors and interact with them both in and out of the classroom. Professors spend many hours providing assistance and treat their students like professional colleagues.

Participate in Hands-On Learning Opportunities in Atlanta and Beyond
To combine theory with practice, we encourage you to participate in internships with groups such as the State Department of Mental Health, Interfaith Agency (which sponsors support services for homeless families), the Department of Family and Children Services and other related agencies. In addition to gaining a worldwide perspective through such programs as Global Connections, sociology and anthropology students also enjoy experiential learning opportunities with such national organizations as the Washington, D.C.-based Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN).

Get Involved on Campus
Many sociology and anthropology students are active in such student-run organizations as the International Student Association.

What can I do with this degree?
A liberal arts degree in sociology and anthropology gives you a well-rounded education with the critical and analytical skills necessary for any professional environment. Agnes Scott’s emphasis on internships and other applied learning opportunities also gives you a head start as you enter the workforce. As a graduate, you can:

Pursue graduate work in anthropology or sociology
Attend law or graduate school
Work in the private sector conducting independent field study
Implement policy in service careers, such as nonprofit or governmental agencies
Join the Peace Corps
Research museum collections