Sociology & Anthropology

Graduates of Bellarmine’s Sociology & Anthropology program have had successful careers in administrative or research positions in various social agencies; in corrections; in counseling adult and juvenile offenders; in police work, including the FBI and other law enforcement agencies; and in private-sector business enterprises such as marketing and sales. Many also go on to complete graduate work in sociology, social work, and related disciplines, or to enter law school.

On- and Off-Campus Experiences

The Compassio Learning Community is designed for students who wish to engage in dialogue and experiences focused on four pillars: compassion, civic engagement, civility, and community. It challenges students to think morally and ethically about issues of social justice so that they may be more enlightened citizens of a diverse and inclusive community. The CLC educates students in issues of social justice by engaging in meaningful and lasting service to the community. Students in this community should have a special interest in creating a more inclusive society and be willing to engage in challenging dialogue about current societal issues of injustice and intolerance.

Service learning is a common component of classes in Sociology & Anthropology, involving students in projects outside the classroom where they can engage the diverse communities that make up Louisville. These reciprocal relationships allow us to move beyond textbooks to learn about social, cultural, economic, and political issues, while making meaningful contributions to our city.

Study Abroad

What courses are required to complete the program?

Degree requirements can be found in the catalog.

View Degree Requirements.

 

What employment opportunities are available with a Sociology & Anthropology degree?

The Sociology & Anthropology program provides students with practical and marketable skills for a competitive and ever-changing job market. Our students develop critical thinking and analytical problem-solving skills, as well as an ability to communicate complex ideas in writing and oral presentations. Our graduates are also versed in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. As a result, there is tremendous variety in the kinds of careers students pursue after graduation. Graduates with a Sociology & Anthropology degree can find employment in the business sector; community services; higher education; law; health services; and local, state, or federal social services. Below is a sample of career paths Sociology & Anthropology graduates may pursue based on their individual skills and interests:

• Consumer and Marketing Research
• Public Relations
• Human Resources (personnel management)
• Non-Profit Agencies
• Survey Research
• Urban Planning
• Community Development
• Policy Analyst
• Group Advocacy (e.g. patient or victim advocacy)
• University Recruitment, Admissions, or Advising
• University Student Affairs
• Law Enforcement
• Criminal Justice
• Judicial Affairs
• Probation and Parole Administration

In addition, many students pursue a graduate degree in sociology, social work, law, criminal justice, or other related fields.

Do you provide job or internship placement?

Yes. Bellarmine guarantees every student the opportunity to have an internship, develop a career plan, and build a professional network. The following are a few of the organizations that have provided part-time internship positions for Bellarmine Sociology & Anthropology students:

• The Family Place
• The Center for Women and Families
• The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office
• The State Data Center
• United Way
• Dare to Care
• Big Brothers/Big Sisters
• The Spouse Abuse Center
• Child Protective Services
• Dismas Halfway Houses
• The Louisville Police’s Child Abuse and Exploitation Unit
• Kentucky State Reformatory
• The Kentucky Department of Probation and Parole
• The Public Defender’s Office
• The FBI

Is financial aid available?

Please go to Bellarmine’s financial aid website for detailed information on financial aid packages. Additionally, students can work with our Faculty Development Center to apply for grants and awards outside of the Bellarmine offerings.

How many hours can I expect to spend studying outside of class time?

Each student has their own learning style so this can vary greatly. As a rule of thumb, expect to spend an average of two hours studying for every hour you spend in class.

 

Faculty

Name	Title	Email	Phone
Frank Hutchins, Ph.D.	Professor of Sociology & Anthropology	fhutchins@bellarmine.edu	(502) 272-8393
Ainsley Lambert-Swain, Ph.D.	Associate Professor of Sociology	alambert-swain@bellarmine.edu	(502) 272-8172
Heather Pruss, Ph.D.	Associate Professor of Criminal Justice	hpruss@bellarmine.edu	(502) 272-8241

 

Still not sure if Sociology is right for you? This video explains what sociologists do in just over a minute.

Go to Video

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• Anthropology
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