Sociology Major/Health and Environmental Studies Specialization

This specialization examines human health and its relationship with the non-human environment, two separate areas of interest which are now widely understood as inextricably linked. The disciplines of sociology and anthropology have long contributed to the study of health and environment through specializations within each discipline, and both help illuminate how social status affects risk of illness, how people seek and receive medical treatment, how healthcare is organized and prioritized, how health services are managed for various client populations, and how the environment affects human health. Multiple professional careers are linked to the social scientific study of human health and the environment including community and public health professions, urban and regional planning, social work, healthcare professions, health research, and academic positions in anthropology and sociology. In addition to substantive knowledge, these professions generally require students to have strong backgrounds in understanding diverse populations, quantitative and qualitative research methods, critical thinking, and communication skills. This specialization provides an ideal curriculum for developing these general skills, while substantively examining the subjects of health and environment.

Sociology Major/Non-Profit and Community Development Specialization

This specialization focuses on the study and improvement of social life. It poses a crucial question to students: how can sociology and anthropology be used to make the world a better place? The specialization should appeal to students interested in social work, the leadership of non-profit and non-governmental organizations, nonprofit/NGO leadership, social policy, urban and regional planning, community and international development, urban studies, law, and public health. The specialization offers advanced subjectappropriate academic work in community development, non-profit organizations and applied sociology/anthropology while providing ample opportunities for hands-on experiences. It will train students in theoretical and applied research methods, critical thinking, and communication skills.