Careers

Inside Sociology and Anthropology
VCU College of Humanities and Sciences

Inside Sociology and Anthropology is part of a series relating majors at VCU to occupational fields. The information in this pamphlet can help you in planning your education and career.
Description of the Field
Students in this department may concentrate in either sociology or anthropology. Sociology systematically studies society and the patterned social activities of people. Anthropology is the study of the origin and development of humankind; it focuses on the exploration of past and present cultures.
General Skills
Through the general education requirements, taken in the freshman and sophomore years, students typically develop the following skills:
  • curiosity and intellectual ability to ask the right questions - to think critically.
  • interpersonal skills to understand and influence others.
  • ability to communicate, in writing and orally, along with the ability to analyze and synthesize information.
  • a breadth of background from the sciences, mathematics, social sciences, and humanities.
  • a sense of ethics that will not be compromised by immediate personal gain or prejudice.
Specific Skills
Some of the skills students in this department often develop include:
  • proficiency in communication
  • appreciation for cultural diversity
  • research and planning skills
  • statistical abilities
  • overseas experience
  • field work
  • grant writing skills
  • international/global knowledge
Academic Coursework
Sample coursework taken by students in the department includes the following:
Sociology Concentration
  • Group Dynamics
  • Criminology and Deviance
  • The Family
  • Minority Groups in the United States
  • Population Dynamics
  • Urban Change
  • Social Psychology
  • Research Methods in the Social Sciences
Anthropology Concentration
  • Cultural Anthropology
  • Peoples and Cultures of the World - Africa, Caribbean, Latin America
  • Field Archaeology
  • Psychological Anthropology
  • Field Methods and Research Design
  • Historical Archaeology - US, Caribbean, Mayan, Incan
  • Linguistics
  • Biological Anthropology Theory - Interpreting Cultures
Additional Experience
To become more marketable:
  • Take electives related to your career goals (for example, in business or computer science) or minor in a supporting area such as urban studies, statistics, writing, or psychology.
  • Enroll in the Cooperative Education program to gain valuable work experience.
  • Arrange for an related internship or part-time job.
  • Participate in, and take on leadership roles in, extracurricular activities.
  • Join the Graduate Group and learn valuable tips and skills.
  • Participate in the annual International and Area Studies Conference.
Career Opportunities
Students wishing to become anthropologists or sociologists will need to pursue graduate education. At the bachelor's level, students with appropriate experiences (see above) may find employment in areas such as the following:
  • Family Counseling
  • Elementary/Secondary Teacher
  • Researcher
  • Management Analyst
  • Parole/Probation Officer
  • Correctional Service Officer
  • Social Services
  • Government Planner
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Technical Writer
  • Personnel Officer
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Data Analyst
  • Archaeologist
  • Some Areas of Applied Anthropology
  • Business
Related Fields/Graduate Study
In addition to graduate study in sociology or anthropology, students go on to related fields of study, such as business, law, gerontology, urban planning, public administration, counseling, and social work. Students interested in becoming teachers (grades K-12) participate in VCU's five-year teacher education program.
Additional Information
Further information is available at the Career Center (Commons, first floor) or through the division:
Virginia Commonwealth University
College of Humanities and Sciences
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Lafayette Hall, 312 N. Shafer St., Room 201
PO Box 842040
Richmond VA 23284-2040

(804) 828-1026
Fax: (804) 828-1027

This brochure is published by the VCU Career Development Council in cooperation with academic departments.

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Page maintained by the Student Affairs Communication Office. Updated 9/04.