Ursinus College

What you'll study

The Sociology and Anthropology major at Ursinus blends theoretical foundations with practical research training. Core topics include cultural anthropology, sociological theory, qualitative methods (ethnography, participant observation), and quantitative approaches to social data. Students typically take classes on topics such as kinship and family, religion and belief systems, globalization and development, urban and community studies, race and ethnicity, and archaeology or material culture where offered.

• Foundations: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology and Introduction to Sociology cover key concepts and comparative perspectives.
• Theory and Methods: Courses in sociological theory, anthropological theory, qualitative methods (ethnographic fieldwork, interviewing, participant observation) and quantitative/social statistics.
• Specialist electives: Subjects often available include Medical Anthropology, Anthropology of Religion, Migration and Diaspora, Environmental Anthropology, Food and Culture, and Museum Studies or Material Culture.
• Applied learning: Internship placements, community‑based research projects and off‑campus study opportunities that allow practical application of classroom learning.
• Capstone: A senior seminar and/or a senior thesis or research project supervised by faculty, emphasising original research, critical writing and presentation skills.

Entry requirements

Ursinus College seeks applicants with a strong secondary‑school record and preparation in writing and social studies. Typical application components include a high school diploma or equivalent, official transcripts, a personal statement or essay, and at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher or school counsellor. Ursinus has adopted a test‑optional policy for standardised tests; candidates may submit SAT or ACT scores if they wish but these are not required for all applicants. International applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency if their education has not been in English.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Ursinus enter a wide range of careers that value research, critical thinking and cross‑cultural understanding. Common pathways include:

• Community development, non‑profit and advocacy organisations
• Public policy, programme evaluation and research assistance
• Market research, user experience (UX) research and data analysis
• Museum work, cultural resource management and public history
• Education, community outreach and youth services
• Further study at graduate or professional schools in anthropology, sociology, social work, public health, law or international development

Why study at Ursinus College

Ursinus is a small liberal‑arts college that emphasises close faculty mentoring and undergraduate research — ideal for hands‑on training in ethnography and social inquiry. Small class sizes allow sustained faculty contact for senior projects and internships, and the college’s location within driving distance of Philadelphia expands options for internships, museum partnerships and community placements. The department encourages interdisciplinary work across the social sciences and humanities and supports students seeking off‑campus study, applied research, and post‑graduate pathways.