Experience the World with a Degree in Anthropology and Sociology
Detectives. Globetrotters. Time travelers. Anthropologists and sociologists are all of these and more, studying that most fundamental of topics: ourselves.
Anthropologists and sociologists explore the world’s diverse cultures and social behaviors — from the beginning of time to ten minutes ago. They investigate the overlapping social structures of family, economy, politics, education, religion, and media that both form and inform our behavior and relationships.
Students in this program probe such diverse topics as art, environment, evolution, symbolism, values, healing, and religion to understand the range of cultural and biological differences among the world’s peoples. They study how the distribution of power affects issues of social justice and sustainability. Courses such as “Anthropology of Death,” “Gender and Society,” and “Religion, Culture and Alternate Realities” provide a global perspective on topics that have shaped civilization.
This major is a popular choice for students considering graduate study or careers in social work, law and criminal justice, politics, policy analysis, and public administration.
Students in the B.A. in global studies program at our NVU-Lyndon campus can also pursue a concentration in anthropology and sociology. We also offer related minors in Global Studies, Gender Studies, and Wellness and Alternative Medicine.
A CULTURE OF HANDS-ON LEARNING
At Northern Vermont University, you’ll learn by doing. Travel and discover new cultures, dig deep in your fieldwork and internships, and learn from your on-campus peers and instructors.
Travel the World
There is no better way to understand world cultures than to experience them for yourself. Class trips between the Anthropology and Sociology, Global Studies, and Psychology departments take students around the globe — including Paris, Russia, Amsterdam, and Martinique.
Field Work and Internships
Through high-impact internships and fieldwork, you’ll take the knowledge you learn in class and apply it to the real world of anthropology. Recent graduates have interned at nonprofits, schools, wellness centers, research centers, farms, animal shelters, and mental health clinics. Learn more about internships at NVU.
Campus Connections
Take advantage of on-campus activities that relate to your Anthropology and Sociology degree. You’ll have the opportunity to join Students for Global Change, a club striving to help alleviate suffering and inequality in the world. You’ll also get the chance to work with a humanitarian center that helps to distribute medical and educational supplies around the world.
Certification in Social Justice and Social Change
Earn a certificate in Social Justice and Social Change to boost your resume! To complete the certification program in addition to your degree, you’ll take a cluster of sociology and anthropology courses that provide diversity training and opportunities for activism. Upon graduation, you’ll leave NVU with your diploma and certificate to show prospective employers that you enrolled in a variety of workshops that involved reducing inequality and injustice on a local, regional, and global scale.
Student and Alumni Spotlight
Fadhili Achinda ’20
Fadhili Achinda ’20 is focusing her research on body image, mass media, and the effect of the beauty industry on society. Her high-impact video project BODY IMAGE ties together her personal journey and research on body image and body dysmorphia.
Courtney Gabaree ’10
Like all NVU students, Courtney Gabaree ’10 didn’t just learn — she worked to make a difference. Courtney interned with the Polaris Project in Washington, D.C., a leading nonprofit dedicated to globally combat human trafficking and slavery. When she returned to Vermont she continued her work with the Attorney General of Vermont to establish the state’s Human Trafficking Task Force and Law Enforcement Advisory Board.