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Anthropology & Sociology, BA

Explore anthropology and sociology majors at Seattle University. Transform the world with social justice-focused learning. Prepare for meaningful careers and social change.

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About this Program

Study Power Dynamics in Communities to Help Create a More Just World

Our social justice-oriented program prepares students to be active community members and global citizens. Through social and cultural analysis, you will develop the tools and perspectives to understand and transform the world.

The anthropology and sociology (ANSO) major is an interdisciplinary program that introduces students to both disciplines.

We put particular emphasis on how anthropology and sociology work with issues related to race, gender, sexuality, economy and environment.

You will develop a wide array of research skills. Our program teaches you how to use research skills in the two disciplinary perspectives in ways that foster justice and recognize and honor commitments to communities.

Anthropology and Sociology Degree at a Glance

Learn how this degree from the Department of Anthropology and Sociology will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University degree can be.

Our bachelor’s in anthropology and sociology helps you learn to engage with global issues in a critical and community engaged way. We have a diverse curriculum inspired by our faculties expertise and lived experience. We offer classes in social change and inequality, which includes courses in community organizing, gentrification, food justice and transformative practice. Our faculty also offer classes in Asian studies and Native American studies, as well as evolution, climate change and religion. Courses are also routed in an intersectional framework, and you’ll receive support from dedicated faculty mentors who are committed student advocates.

Add a minor in anthropology and sociology and learn how to effectively engage with the global issues that will affect your career. Learn how power circulates in society, cultures and social structures, and then use that knowledge to forge partnerships with community groups to make a difference. To earn a minor degree, you’ll complete at least 30 credits in this area.

Our curriculum promotes an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach while also emphasizing intersectionality or intersectional justice as a throughline in the students' learning experience.

It prepares students to apply their anthropological/sociological knowledge critically and engage with communities as they address global issues and challenges in the 21st century and beyond.

The program provides courses and community engagement experiences grounded in an intersectional framework.

Lastly, we offer enhanced opportunities for students to develop the knowledge and skills needed for conducting social science research in critical and ethical ways.

If you’re planning on attending law school in the future, consider our Bachelor/JD Accelerated 3+3 Program. This degree plan allows you to finish both a law degree and a bachelor’s degree in six years. For more information, visit the Bachelor/JD Accelerated 3+3 Program Admission page.

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the classes you’ll take as a student here.

Support for Your Success

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Pathways to Professional Formation

The College of Arts & Sciences is committed to helping you through your lifetime journey of professional formation and discernment. We offer opportunities to deepen and broaden your understanding of your professional identity.

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Seattle Univerity Undergraduate Research Journal

Seattle University Undergraduate Research Journal

Our peer-reviewed online publication provides an opportunity for you to publish your research. Publication can help you prepare for advanced studies at top graduate programs or demonstrate knowledge and skills when applying for non-academic positions.

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Arts & Sciences Advising Center

Our advising center is dedicated to your holistic academic and professional through academic advising and promotion of academic excellence. We work to solve problems, provide navigational guidance and build connections.

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Studying Social Problems for Social Change with an Interdisciplinary and Intersectional Approach

As an interdisciplinary faculty, our teaching and research draw heavily from anthropology and sociology as well as an array of other fields in the social sciences and humanities.

We aim to give students the tools to understand how power circulates in society, cultures and social structures, and how to partner with community groups to make a difference.

We emphasize applied and community-based work through community partnerships, and we support students with faculty who are dedicated mentors and committed student advocates.

Electives explore subjects such as social psychology, environmental education, community organizing, gentrification and transformative practice.

Our intersectional pedagogy welcomes all students and centers the voices and needs of historically marginalized communities.

Together, we work to prepare you to engage in critical analyses of institutional power and practices, and to transform individual and group consciousness with an orientation to social action.

What Our Anthropology and Sociology Graduates Do

Your degree in anthropology and sociology opens many doors. Our graduates have found careers in advocacy, community organizing, diversity training, social services and education. They’ve also gone on to work in politics, project management, public health, law and social research. 

Many of our graduates pursue advanced studies in:

  • Anthropology
  • Counselor education
  • Global health
  • International relations
  • Law
  • Museum studies
  • Nonprofit leadership
  • Public administration
  • Social work
  • Sociology
  • Theology

Our graduates have pursued advanced degrees at:

  • Brown University
  • Columbia University
  • Fordham University
  • Santa Clara University
  • Stanford University
  • University of Chicago
  • University of Iceland
  • University of Washington

Hear From Our Alumni

Headshot of Robin DiAngelo

Dr. Robin DiAngelo

"The training in sociology I received at Seattle University has been invaluable to my life’s work in racial justice education. My entire body of scholarship—as well as my daily practice as a group facilitator—is grounded in a sociological framework. This framework has enabled me to see the social dynamics at play that are not necessarily conscious or intentional but impacting outcomes nonetheless."

Sociology, '91

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