Welcome!

Welcome to the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice Studies website!  Have you ever wondered about social institutions like the family; the role that sport plays in society; or how societies construct gender roles?  Are you fascinated by different cultures, ancient civilizations and "hands-on" learning?  Do the causes of crime and how society responds to criminal activity interest you?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then our department is the place for you!

Explore these questions and many, many more by majoring in Sociology or Anthropology or Criminal Justice Studies.  Our highly-qualified faculty members take students on intellectual journeys into these fascinating disciplines every day.  Discover the inner workings of society and its myriad social institutions as a Sociology major.  Journey to distant places and learn about different cultures, both contemporary and from the past, by majoring in the field of Anthropology. Explore the criminal justice system and learn about policing, the courts and corrections as a Criminology/Criminal Justice major. 

Our approach to each of these fields is to engage our students in active learning.  Beyond our rich classroom opportunities students may do this by participating in an internship.  Students in our programs have participated in internships with the F.B.I., the Smithsonian, the Virginia Museum of Natural History, local and state law enforcement organizations, social service agencies and numerous private industries, to name just a few. 

Students may also choose to engage in one of our international study opportunities such as the Archaeology of England or the Sociology of Sport in England.  Other students have chosen to participate in the Dr. James W. Jordan Archaeology Field School that is offered each summer and explores prehistoric and historic archaeological sites in Virginia and overseas.

By discovering your intellectual passion you will find untold satisfaction in a life-long career.  The faculty in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice Studies look forward to helping you discover your intellectual passion in one of our fascinating disciplines.

Dr. Brian D. Bates, Department Chair and Professor of Anthropology