Academics

Major in Sociology

The Illinois State University sociology program is dedicated to providing students with a first class educational experience aimed at preparing them to be engaged, informed participants in a global society. Students enjoy the resources of a large university with the feeling of a small community. 

Sociology students explore a diverse range of topics and learn to think critically about the social world. Our distinguished faculty members are committed to helping students develop the analytical skills they need to gain a deeper understanding of the world in which we live.

Undergraduate academic advising information.

Major in Anthropology

Anthropology is a discipline concerned with people in their entirety: our evolution and physical variation, the remnants of our prehistoric past, the cultural and linguistic diversity of human societies past and present. We are a marketable degree based on marketing data and Department of Labor  statistics.

Anthropology has four sub-fields: archaeology, anthropological linguistics,cultural anthropology, and biological anthropology. An anthropological education begins with taking courses representative of all four subfields.

Undergraduate academic advising information.

Students are able to internationalize their Anthropology or Sociology majors, without adding on time to graduation. By combining your study of world languages with your major, you will acquire the skills to navigate today's work environment and make yourself more marketable. 

Anthropology Minor

Anthropology is a discipline concerned with people in their entirety: our evolution and physical variation, the remnants of our prehistoric past, and the cultural and linguistic diversity of human societies past and present.

Sociology Minor

The sociology minor is popular with students in a range of majors, including psychology, communication, history, and business.  Sociological knowledge and skills are relevant to many careers, are sought after by employers, and can add depth and diversity to most majors.

Gerontology Minor

The interdisciplinary gerontology minor provides students with a background in theoretical as well as empirical research and also applied/professional knowledge relevant to an aging society.  Although issues and problems of later life are a prominent focus in the minor, social gerontologists view aging as a life-long process which is shaped by social, historical economic, political, cultural, and even organizational factors.

Women’s and Gender Studies Minor

The field of Gender studies aims to study gender identity and gender representation, considering social, cultural, psychological, and biological factors. 

Latin American and Latino/a Studies Minor

The field of Latin American studies observes the history, culture, and politics of both Latin America and Latin Americans across the globe.

Master's Degree in Anthropology

The Master's in Anthropology program offers a flexible, individualized course of study with concentrations in archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, anthropological linguistics and Japanese Studies. Our program emphasizes research and fieldwork and prepares our graduates to enter the job market directly or to continue their studies at the PhD level.

Master's Degree in Sociology

The Sociology Master’s Degree Program provides opportunities for advanced study in a variety of substantive areas of sociology, combined with a personalized research experience through a required thesis project.  Our diverse faculty provides individualized attention to each student, allowing them to pursue a research project that is clearly aligned with their personal goals and interests.  Our graduate program facilitates development of advanced social scientific research skills and problem-solving abilities utilizing a sociological perspective.

Master's Degree Sociology/Anthropology - Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development

The Department of Sociology & Anthropology at Illinois State University participates in  master's level graduate programs through the Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development. The  Applied Community and Economic Development Fellows  program enables those with at least one year of full-time experience in community development or social services to build their credentials as community development specialists. The  Peace Corps Fellows/USA  program is designed for returned Peace Corps Volunteers who also wish to prepare themselves for jobs related to community development.

Graduate Certificate in the Social Aspects of Aging

Students interested in professional development in gerontology may earn a Graduate Certificate in the Social Aspects of Aging. This multidisciplinary certificate program is offered jointly by the Departments of Sociology & Anthropology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Psychology, Health Sciences, Speech Pathology & Audiology, and the School of Social Work. This certificate program is designed to provide academically and professionally oriented graduate experiences in the social aspects of aging.