Sociology and Anthropology

Sociology: Major 
Anthropology: Major, Minor

The sociology and anthropology department will challenge you to critically examine continuing and urgent issues of inequality and social marginalization, focusing on complex human interactions in diverse cultures within a globalized world. 

You will learn to analyze structures of power and hierarchy, draw connections between your personal experiences and larger social and historical processes, as well as question preconceived ideas about the nature of society and representation of cultures around the world. Our graduates enter a wide variety of occupations well prepared with sharp analytical skills and as knowledgeable and engaged citizens.

The department combines a humanistic concern for the quality and diversity of human life with a commitment to the empirical analysis of culture and society. The sociology curriculum will give you qualitative and quantitative research skills to tackle pressing 21st century issues. Courses draw attention to history, culture, and social structure and their effects on people’s lives. The anthropology curriculum focuses on human cultural experiences around the world, with an emphasis on the contemporary challenges wrought by globalization. Courses often highlight the geographical areas in which faculty work (Latin America, Asia, and Africa) and focus on a diverse range of topics.

Sociology and Anthropology Department Statement on Black Lives Matter: Racial Justice and Action

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Program Highlights

Classes in sociology and anthropology give students the analytical tools to apply to complex issues that face us in the 21st century, including:

  • Global structures of inequality
  • Race and ethnicity
  • Gender and sexuality
  • Power and class
  • Religion
  • Environment
  • Media and popular culture
  • Health, medicine, and the body
  • Social movements
  • Family and kinship
  • Work and employment
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Opportunities

From internships to study abroad to independent research, opportunities abound for sociology and anthropology students.

Students in a garden
In the Community

Many department courses engage students in community-based learning, where academic learning and civic engagement meet.

Alumni in Rehm Library
Careers

Graduates apply their skills in many careers, including business, health, education, marketing, and non-profits.

Sociology and Anthropology News

A graduating student waves her diploma at the 2019 Holy Cross graduation.
Center for Career Development Focuses on the Lifelong Value of a Holy Cross Education
As graduation season approaches for colleges across the country, students are focusing on the next step after commencement — but at the College of the Holy Cross, the “what next” and, more importantly, the “why” have been questions in progress …
Veronica Ruiz '23
Blog: Ruiz ’23 Looks Forward to Meeting New People and Exploring New Places
Name: Veronica Ruiz Hometown: Chicago, Illinois Studies She’s Considering: Double major in Spanish and Anthropology, Concentration in Latinx Studies Why She Chose Holy Cross: I choose Holy Cross because of the small class sizes and student body population. Not only …
SGA Co-Presidents Noah Sisk '21 and Victoria Tara '21 on campus in early 2020.
SGA Co-Presidents Reflect on a Year Unlike Any Other
Noah Sisk ’21 and Victoria Tara ’21 campaigned successfully for co-presidents of the Student Government Association (SGA) with the slogan, “Let’s get real.” Fresh off a semester in Washington, DC, through Holy Cross’ Semester Away Program, the pair used the …