B.S. Applied Social Science (Sociology & Anthropology Concentration)

Have a global worldview and interest in travel? Passionate about helping people and making the world a better place?

The B.S. Applied Social Science Sociology & Anthropology Concentration allows you to follow your interests while learning the critical thinking and data analysis skills that can be applied to a wide range of careers.

Anthropology is the study of what makes us human. Anthropologists take a broad, holistic approach to understand how people interact in social relationships, their cultural traditions, and the diversity of cultures around the world. Anthropologists “take people seriously,” listening to all voices and viewpoints in order to understand how societies vary and what they have in common. Many anthropologists work in their own societies looking at economics, health, education, law, and policy. Learn more at Anthropology Information Central, American Anthropological Association's new research clearinghouse.

Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions. Sociology can study a wide variety of topics including, crime, religions, the family, state institutions, divisions of race and class, the environment, and gender, to name a few. Sociologists seek to understand human societies and institutions, how they work, and how they change. It seeks to understand how human action and consciousness both shape and are shaped by surrounding cultural and social structures. Learn more at the American Sociological Association's Undergraduate Student Resources website.

At Stout, we take a hands-on, applied approach to both fields. We focus on how we can use these bodies of knowledge and research methodologies to address a wide range of social issues and to help make decisions in business, social services, government, and non-profit organizations.

Degree Minors

You can also earn a Social Work Professional Certificate and become a licensed social worker in the state of Wisconsin, or combine the concentration with a range of minors that will help you hone your skills and distinguish yourself on the job market:

Impactful Research Applied to Society

Do good through your degree and create change by presenting real-world solutions to existing societal challenges! Unlike traditional theoretical research, your applied research opportunities in sociology and anthropology will focus on translating inquiry into meaningful action and impact.

Recent Research Topics in Sociology & Anthropology

• "Men's Mental Health on College Campuses"
• "How Physical Activity Affected Mental Health During Covid-19"
• "Digital Aesthetics and Identities of UW-Stout Students: Perceptions of Authenticity in Identity-Driven Marketing"
• "Social Determinants of Substance Use Disorders and Addiction Treatment: Evidence from Arbor Place Professionals"
• "Inequality in the American Justice System"
• "Personal Perception of Wisconsin FoodShare program and Effects on Food Insecurity"
• "The New America: Young Adult’s Perspectives on 'Defunding the Police'”
• "Return on Investment of the Work of County Land and Water Conservation Departments in Wisconsin"
• "Silence in a Small Town: Conceptualizing Sexual Violence in a Community Context"