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Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology
Broaden your understanding of humanity in all its social and cultural diversity with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology degree at University of Redlands.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts
Program Types
Undergraduate, Major, Minor
Mode of Study
On Campus
Department
Sociology and AnthropologySchool / College
College of Arts and SciencesWhat is a Sociology and Anthropology degree?
In the Sociology and Anthropology (SOAN) program, you will learn to explore the relationship between individual experience and broader cultural and historical contexts, while coming to understand the diversity of humanity. The SOAN degree is a strong fit for students interested in understanding the social and cultural world, human behavior, their own position in the world, and who seek to advance social justice in their communities. The disciplines in this program are regarded as liberatory enterprises, helping to reveal social structures, power relationships, and prejudices that prevent people from piloting their own lives. You will learn to assess the merits of some of the key theories and methods in sociology and anthropology and apply them productively in intellectual and practical problem-solving.
Why should you major in Sociology and Anthropology at Redlands?
As a student in the SOAN program at University of Redlands, you will learn to critically analyze the complex interplay between individuals, their cultures, and the broader social structures in which they live to reach a nuanced understanding of sociocultural processes and inequalities. The critical thinking, data analysis, and communication skills gained in the process are highly valuable in today's information-centered employment marketplace. SOAN graduates are employed in a range of fields like social work, healthcare, and education, or go on to graduate studies in programs like Sociology, Anthropology, Archaeology, and law at some of the most rigorous and prestigious universities in the nation. The SOAN department maintains the Helen and Vernon Farquhar Laboratory of Anthropology, giving you access to space and resources for student research in the cultures and history of the American Southwest. Additionally, SOAN's community-based learning experiences endowed fund gives you the opportunity to design your own internships with community organizations where SOAN majors can pursue double majors or minors in other fields. Useful topics to combine with Sociology and Anthropology include Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Race & Ethnic Studies, Latin American Studies Minor, Health, Medicine, and Society, Asian Studies, or pursue a customizable major through the Johnston Center.
Classes you'll take
Nine courses (a minimum of 34 credits) are required to complete the major. No more than three of the major courses may be taken at other schools. To transfer courses from other schools or study abroad programs, permission must be obtained from an academic advisor.
To view specific program requirements and coursework information, visit the current university catalog.
Sociocultural Inquiries
Take the following course that provides the intellectual foundation for the SOAN major and minor:
- SOAN 201 Sociocultural Analysis
Spirit of Inquiry
One course in Theory and one course in Methods. Together, these classes assess and apply key theories and methods in Sociology and Anthropology.
The following is the current list of courses that satisfy the methods requirement:
- SOAN 300 Research Methods & Design
- SOAN 301 Fieldwork & Ethnographic Methods
- SOAN 303 World Ethnographies
- SOAN 305 Mapping People, Mapping Place
- SOAN 306 Research Methods: Interviewing
The following is the current list of courses that satisfy the theory requirement:
- SOAN 391 Contemporary Social Theory
- SOAN 392 Anthropological Theories
Border Crossing
One course that explores the experience of being an 'other' in a social setting. The following is the current list of courses that satisfy this requirement:
- SOAN 205 Social Issues
- SOAN 233 Jewish Culture: Cook & Community
- SOAN 256 Japan: Society and Culture in Transition
- SOAN 259 The Middle East
- SOAN 281 Middle Eastern Women Speak
- SOAN 314 Dancing Around the World
- SOAN 329 Anthropology of Mothering
- SOAN 342 Gender and Sexuality
- SOAN 345 American Gun Culture
- SOAN 352 Who Owns the Past
- SOAN 405 Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Electives
Students must take at least four elective courses in addition to the requirements listed above. One elective must be at the 200-level. The remaining three electives must be at the 300- or 400-level. Students may substitute up to 4 credits of internship for one 300- or 400-level elective.
Courses taken with departmental faculty through interdisciplinary programs such as the Johnston Center may be counted toward these requirements with the permission of that faculty member or the department chair. Classes cross-listed with SOAN are also applied toward these requirements.
Senior Capstone
In their senior year, students will complete a culminating experience by taking any 400-level senior seminar, pursuing departmental honors, or completing a supervised community-based project.
Senior Seminar Option (One course, SOAN 400-465)
Students must have attained senior standing for a 400-level seminar to count as their Senior Capstone. Juniors may take these courses if they choose to but will need to take an additional 400-level course their senior year as a capstone.
Minor in Sociology and Anthropology
The sociology and anthropology minor offers you an understanding of the subject throughout five required courses.
Five courses are required for a minor in sociology and anthropology: SOAN 201 and four electives, only one of which may be taken at the 100-level.
No more than two of these courses may be taken at other schools. Courses taken with departmental faculty through the Johnston Center may be counted toward these requirements with the permission of that faculty member or the department chair.
View the current university catalog to learn more about course requirements.
Undergraduate application deadlines
Fall Term - First Year
Early Action 1: November 1
Early Action 2: December 1
Regular Decision: January 15*
Spring Term - First Year
Deadline: November 1*
Fall Term - Transfer
Priority Deadline: March 1*
Spring Term - Transfer
Priority Deadline: November 1*
Note
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline based on capacity.
What you'll learn
SOAN students will assess the merits of some of the key theories and methods in Sociology and Anthropology, and apply them productively in intellectual and practical puzzle solving.
SOAN students will critically analyze the complex interplay between individual, culture and social structure to reach a nuanced understanding of sociocultural processes and inequalities.
SOAN students will describe and reflect on the experience of being an 'other' in a social setting. They will demonstrate an understanding that worldviews and the actions that worldviews produce are multiple and constructed.
One of the most powerful things we teach students is how to observe and study the world. Students learn ethnographic, interviewing, GIS mapping, quantitative, and/or qualitative research methods.
What you'll learn
Graduates pursue careers in
Graduates pursue careers in
Examining social behaviors and structures to understand and address societal issues and trends.
Studying human cultures, societies, and their development to gain insights into human diversity and evolution.
Protecting and managing cultural and historical sites and artifacts, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
Other graduates apply their skills in diverse professional fields, including but not limited to these examples of first jobs: AmeriCorps, Brightstar Schools (Los Angeles, CA), Denver Public Defender’s Office, Elementary School (Pachuco, Hidalgo, Mexico), Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, Geo Team at Apple, National Park Service, Redlands Police Department, SmartRevenue, Inc., Social Policy Research Associates (Oakland, CA), and Statistical Research Inc.
Career and alumni outcomes
Sociology and Anthropology graduates have gone onto first jobs with companies such as: AmeriCorps, Brightstar Schools, Denver Public Defender’s Office, Elementary School, Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, Geo Team at Apple, National Park Service, Redlands Police Department, SmartRevenue, Inc., Social Policy Research Associates, and Statistical Research Inc. Many pursue graduate school following their undergraduate degree. Additional potential career paths include, but aren’t limited to what is displayed below.
Student Testimonial
“My experience as a SOAN major has been incredibly insightful. I came into the program with so many questions about people, culture, and the structures shaping our lives, but learning how to transform those curiosities into real theory and practice has been one of the most exciting parts of the department. At heart, I am an anthropologist because I’m endlessly drawn to understanding why people do what they do and how meaning is created in everyday life.
Taking classes with Dr. Lang, Dr. Kurotani, and Dr. Bernardini has been a highlight of my time here. Each professor brings a unique perspective on what it means to study society and anthropology, and together they made the field feel alive, relevant, and deeply human. Anyone who joins the SOAN department will find the same thrill I did: watching ideas come to life through real stories, real people, and real inquiry.”
— Adelyn Durazzo ’25, B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology
INQUIRY MEETS IMPACT
Preserving cultures through archaeology
Professor Wes Bernardini, Ph.D., gives students hands-on experience through real archaeological research. For more than 25 years, he has collaborated with the Hopi Tribe, involving students in field notes, artifact cataloging, and site documentation. Former student Jamie Nord Parra ’19 developed valuable skills as Bernardini’s research assistant. Learn more about how this experience helped launch her career as a professional archaeologist.
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology strives to understand humanity in all its social and cultural diversity. Our faculty blend academic expertise with real-world experience, providing dedicated mentorship in coursework, research, and career development. Explore our programs, student resources, and faculty to learn more.
Redlands' Signature Experiences
The Core Four framework
At Redlands, our students’ success is at the heart of everything we do. We offer experiential learning opportunities, but our Core Four initiative takes that commitment to a deeper, intentional level. More than a set of experiences, the Core Four is a framework for transformation. Learn more about how students can prepare for their academic journey.
Featured faculty
Every Redlands faculty member is an active practitioner in their field. The classes they teach emerge from their unique research and practices, and they’re passionate about what they’re sharing. At Redlands, faculty are invested in and committed to your success.
Wesley Bernardini
Professor
Sawa Kurotani
Professor
Sharon Lang
Department Chair
Rachel Nickens
Assistant Professor
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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