Sociology & Anthropology

Warning: Your hands will get dirty

The sociology-anthropology major is suited for you if you are interested in explaining and understanding how society is organized, the origins and development of social institutions, social change, social organizations, race, class, gender, and culture. Courses incorporate topics such as politics, law, health, economics, gender, religion, health, language and the environment.

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Why study Sociology & Anthropology at Millsaps?

In their own words

Jordan Osborn, Class of 2026

“From exploring the ruins of past civilizations at Millsaps’ own archaeological project in Yucatan to touring correctional facilities, the Sociology & Anthropology Department takes students into new environments. I plan to go to law school with MAJOR confidence in myself.”

Riley Reech

"This department was the reason I came to this college in the first place and I have not regretted it for a second. The professors have supported me both personally and professionally and encouraged my curiosity and critical thinking skills. Studying abroad has given me priceless experience in the field and boundless opportunities within my chosen career. The SOAN department allows me to be myself while also pushing me to be better than I thought I could be."

Macy Weaver

“The SOAN department has given me the theoretical lenses through which to view society, culture, and their impacts on human behavior. It gave me another layer of understanding with which I could interpret art, literature, economics, politics, and history.”

Featured Courses

Here is a sampling of a few courses that might pique your interest.

SOAN 2500 Food and Culture

Explore the connections between the preparation and consumption of food and cultural contexts. Experience ethnographic studies of food’s cultural importance and larger discussions of social and cultural theory.

SOAN 3100 Summer in China

A brief yet comprehensive survey of Chinese culture; society through readings and site visits. This summer program (one week at Millsaps; three weeks in China) introduces students to both traditional and contemporary Chinese culture and society.

Degree Options

Discover your degrees, minors, concentrations and certification options available for this field of study.

Sociology and Anthropology, B.A. - anthropology concentration

Sociology and Anthropology, B.S. - anthropology concentration

Nationally Award-Winning Faculty.

We have some of the best faculty in the nation in their fields, Drs. Bey, Belisle and Evans.

You Can Suit Yourself

Opportunities for self-directed studies if courses don’t meet your needs.

The Origins and Social Causes & Consequences of Human Behavior

Sociology and anthropology combines these two studies to fully explore what it means to be a human.

Our distinctive strengths

Numerous research and internship opportunities and study-abroad programs led by Millsaps professors offer opportunities to travel to Mexico, Peru, around the United States and locations around other countries. You can major in sociology-anthropology with a concentration in anthropology or a concentration in sociology. You may also opt to major in sociology-anthropology and complete a concentration in sociology-anthropology.

We have some of the best faculty in the nation in their fields, Drs. Bey, Belisle and Evans. Students get to engage in hands-on work with nationally award-winning faculty.
Field school opportunities with Dr. Bey in the Yucatan or Dr. Belisle in Peru (Inca). Camping on site and stay at our property. If you're interested in American social issues, Dr. Evans offers research and internship opportunities locally and in the United States
Hands-on opportunities, experiential learning and community-engaged learning.
Opportunities for self-directed studies if courses don’t meet your needs

Gain hands-on experience

Students have engaged in various internships and practical learning opportunities, including internships with law firms, clinical psychology firms, political groups and the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Pathways

Sociology and anthropology majors will find a Pathways connection in Health; Arts, Culture and Communications; Exploration; Law, Politics, and Social Leadership; and STEM/Data Science Pathways tracks.

Learn More About Pathways

Study Abroad

All Millsaps students can take advantage of our study-abroad classes. Millsaps College is ranked as one of the best study-abroad programs in the country! Sociology and anthropology students have the opportunity to take numerous study-abroad courses in Mexico and Peru. Check out all the opportunities.

Upcoming Study-Abroad Classes