Department: Anthropology and Sociology

The behavioral sciences of sociology and anthropology help students develop an appreciation and understanding of the myriad structures and processes that characterize life in social groups. While sociology tends to concentrate on complex modern societies, exploring societal change and institutions, anthropology tends to cover a wider span, focusing on both Western and non-Western societies. (cultural anthropology is stressed at Baruch.) The methods and insights of sociology and cultural anthropology offer the tools you need to succeed in our globalizing world and to grapple with the great challenges and questions of our time. Does "the American Dream" still work, as Baruch College's motto claims, or has income inequality in America reached the point of no return? Are there universal human rights? If so, who gets to decide what they are? What is globalization exactly, and how does it shape your life and the lives of others?  How can we meet the challenges posed by urbanization and climate change?  What is sexuality and why are there so many strong opinions about it?  Is there really any such thing as religious violence?  What is religion, anyway?  What do changing attitudes toward gender roles tell us about what it means to be an American?  What is race?  Why does racism persist?

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Baruch College offers courses that can help you understand your place in the world, your part in it, and what it takes to create change and progress in your own life, your career, and in the world.  Pursuing a major in sociology or a minor in sociology or cultural anthropology, is both intellectually compelling and practical.  Students who concentrate in these disciplines pursue careers in criminal justice, human services, education, government, non-profits, and business.  Students at Baruch who opt to major in a business discipline can enhance their appeal to prospective employers by minoring in sociology or cultural anthropology.  Both of these disciplines foster creative, critical, and innovative thinking skills that are honed through engagement with real-life situations and problems.