Why study sociology or anthropology at Elon?

Learn by doing

Students conduct original research, complete internships, engage with communities, and apply classroom learning to real-world challenges.

Faculty mentorship

Small classes and close advising relationships mean students work directly with faculty on research, fieldwork, internships, and senior projects.

Global and local perspectives

From archaeological field sites to community-based research and study abroad, students explore human societies across cultures and contexts.

Strong career preparation

Our graduates succeed in law, medicine, public health, education, nonprofit leadership, government, and business while gaining the critical thinking skills needed in an evolving job market.

The perspective I gained through my sociology courses is invaluable in my current work as a public defense attorney. It has enabled me to step back and critically examine the processes and institutions that affect my clients’ lives.

Jacob Hayward ’20

Our majors are career-ready

According to the most recent National Association of Colleges and Employers’ (NACE) Job Outlook survey, employers rank the following characteristics as among the most sought after among new employees:

Critical thinking and problem solving

Our majors gain hands-one experience analyzing complex issues, identifying root causes, and developing evidence-based solutions through coursework and mentored experiences.

Effective communication

Our majors learn to express complex ideas clearly and persuasively in both writing and speech. This skill is vital for those representing companies and organizations, promoting products or services, and fostering strong communication in diverse workplace settings.

Research and data analysis

Our program prepares students to design and conduct ethical research. Our majors develop skills in quantitative and qualitative data collection, data analysis, and dissemination of findings.

Cultural competence

Our majors engage deeply with different cultures, perspectives, and lived experiences, preparing them to work effectively with people from all backgrounds and connect with diverse communities, clients, and audiences.