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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.
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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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Graduate Students Showcased at NC State Research Symposium
More than 200 NC State students participated in the 13th annual symposium. The event, sponsored by the Graduate School and the Graduate Student Association, showcases the outstanding quality and diversity of graduate-level research at NC State. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences had 38 presenters this year. That’s more than any other college on campus. In addition, six students received awards for their research posters.
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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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