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Diverse and Progressive
At the heart of our disciplines lies a determination to understand complex social and cultural issues – both past and present – so that we may inform the future.
I realized that the changes I want to inspire cannot be achieved without social and systemic change. My education here has given me the knowledge and training I need to make those ideas reality.
Investigating Society, Culture and Behavior
Founded in 1920, the Department of Sociology and Anthropology is diverse and progressive. We are dedicated to excellence in research, teaching, extension and outreach.
Our research and outreach serve the citizens of the state, including business, industry and government. Our wide-ranging research encompasses poverty and inequality, archaeological science, school diversity, child abuse, family issues, food environments, obesity, health and physical activity, gender-related issues, crime and criminal justice organizations, to mention a few areas.
We offer students the chance to study and practice in the disciplines that critically analyze human society, culture and behavior. Undergraduates can pursue studies in sociology, criminology and anthropology, either as a major or minor. NC State also offers a minor in forensic science.
At the graduate level, we offer a Doctorate in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Anthropology, both of which prepare graduates for successful careers in teaching and research.
Our department is one of the largest of its kind in the United States and one of the largest on NC State’s campus. With around 30 full-time faculty, as well as lecturers and instructors, we teach more than 9,000 students each academic year.
Featured News More News
Tourism in Guatemala: Local Impacts
Some cities surrounding Guatemala's Lake Atitlán have greatly benefitted from tourism. Other towns haven’t seen the same rate of development. NC State graduate student Adriana Szabo studied the uneven trend in San Pedro La Laguna, on the shore of Lake Atitlán. Her research raises up the voices of locals who want to change the tourism development model.
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Putting People First
Anthropology professor Tim Wallace is helping the public more easily connect with micro-entrepreneurs, the smallest of small business owners who often serve not only as experts at their crafts but also as top-notch tour guides in their communities.
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An Internship That’s All Business
Kelsey Schmitz, a junior majoring in anthropology and history, has interned for two years at Quintiles, an international clinical research company. She discusses how the skills and abilities in data analysis and research that she's picked up pursuing her degree have aided in her on-the-job success in a corporate environment.
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Racial Makeup of Labor Markets Affects Who Gets Job Leads
Research from NC State's Department of Sociology and Anthropology and Rice University finds that the racial composition of a labor market plays a significant role in whether workers find out about job leads -- regardless of the race of the worker.
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