Sociology, Anthropology and Geography

Professor Pamela Ashmore, Head

The Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Geography at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offers: a B.S. degree with a concentration in Sociology; B.A. and B.S. degrees with a concentration in Anthropology; and minors in Sociology, Anthropology or Geography. These degree programs prepare students to think critically and analytically and to function effectively in our rapidly changing, increasingly diverse, and interrelated world. All three disciplines instruct students about the research methods that are used in the social sciences and expose students to the variation that exists in human societies, cultures, and our physical landscapes. Graduates of our programs know how to conduct research, gather and analyze data, and are able to present research findings in written and oral formats. Majors also gain a good understanding about the complexities associated with diverse cultures and societies which is ever more important to our global work force and economy. Our degree program goals include the following:

Students are able to define, describe, and give examples of major socio-cultural theories.
Students are able to critically assess the methodologies, validity, reliability, and analyses, and conclusions presented in research studies.
Students are able to accurately interpret publically available quantitative and qualitative data.
Students are able to apply basic social science concepts to current social issues.
Students are able to formulate a research question and apply appropriate research methods and analyses to examine socio-cultural phenomenon.
Students are able to describe how society and culture develop knowledge through the social construction of reality.
Students are able to articulate ethical standards, values, and responsibilities related to social science research.

Our degree programs are flexible and allow each student to work closely with a faculty adviser to create a course of study best suited to the student’s individual needs. There are also many opportunities for internships, field experiences, and faculty/student collaborative research.

Our majors have achieved an outstanding record of success in applying to competitive graduate programs in sociology and anthropology. Several of our majors have also gone on to complete graduate studies in related fields including law, medicine, education, and social work. Graduates of our Department have accepted jobs at a wide variety of public and private organizations and businesses. Students not only learn a body of knowledge, but gain skills which can be applied to any field or occupation that calls for creative reasoning, problem solving, and analysis.