Sociology and anthropology are the two social sciences that seek to understand and explain the shared behavior of people in organized groups or societies. Sociology is largely concerned with the study of western civilization as a system, particularly as regards a description of American society and how it operates today. Anthropology is concerned with the study of humanity as a part of the natural world, and of culture that developed to cope with that world. Anthropologists have dealt largely with prehistoric and small-scale  societies and cultures in an effort to arrive at an understanding of universal cultural laws. Anthropologists are increasingly studying large-scale societies and the interaction between small- and large-scale cultures in the global system..

Majors in this department take courses in both fields and are encouraged to take courses in the other social sciences (economics, cultural geography, political science, and psychology) and in the humanities (history, philosophy, and the arts) as well.

The department offers the B.A. and B.S. degrees in anthropology, crime and justice studies, and sociology. Artifact collections, laboratories, and other facilities are conveniently available to anthropology majors. Graduates of the department can consider a wide range of employment possibilities, about which information can be obtained from the faculty.

The department also offers a Certificate of Completion in Diversity and Stratification. This interdisciplinary certificate involves the completion of 12 credits of study focusing on issues of diversity and stratification and recognizes competency in understanding a broad range of diversity issues and in applying that understanding in the workplace and social life.

While intending to embrace the fields of sociology and anthropology in their entirety, the department has major strengths in particular areas. Students are encouraged to seek these out in consultation with the faculty. This is especially important for graduate students wishing to pursue the M.A. degree, about which more information will be found in the Graduate Catalog. Questions concerning courses and degree programs should be addressed to the 
department chair , Donald Tyler.