Sociology, B.A.

Sociology at Wagner College is concerned with the connections between "public issues" and personal welfare, and in how these connections help illuminate our own social problems.  We encourage students to examine the inter-relationship between individuals and the social structures and groups to which they belong.  With a special focus on one of two areas, criminal justice, or the family and social work,  Wagner College sociology students investigate the fundamental concepts and methods used in sociological theory and research.  Both in the classroom and in the larger societies around us, students come to see that individual behavior, their own and that of others, is not so individual after all, but that how we each think, act and feel has a lot to do with the group norms and social structures within which we live.

The Sociology major has a choice of three concentrations:

    Academic Sociology
    Criminal Justice
    Family Studies

In Academic Sociology students explore and analyze the functioning of societies and the ways in which specific cultures and beliefs influence the behavior and reflect the dynamics of individuals, groups, and societies.

Criminal Justice focuses on law enforcement theory and practice, correctional theory and practice, and criminal law. It prepares students for entry-level programs in the criminal justice system. It also prepares students for graduate work towards M.S., M.S.W., and J.D. degrees.

Family Studies/social work concentration within the sociology major at  Wagner College helps prepare students for graduate school in social work, the law and sociology among other disciplines, and for a variety of careers including employment in social services, teaching, government, journalism, and health services, among other sectors.  The family studies/social work concentration places special emphasis on exploring the family as an emotional, economic, historical and sociocultural institution.  Families hold great paradox.  On the one hand, they are a deeply mundane and ordinary part of human experience; and on the other hand, families can contain incredible drama and pain, along with profound love. They both shape our individual lives and social world, and are fundamentally shaped by our society and history.  In this concentration, we make use of a variety of texts in exploring the family - with a focus on the American family in different times and communities.  We look at cultural notions of what families "should be" and social realities of what families actually have been/are in terms of marriage and sexuality, work, popular culture, domestic violence, and law and social policy.  Throughtout this concentration, we consider differences and similarities in the experiences of families across lines of class, race, gender and sexuality.

Anthropology, B.A.

Anthropology is the study of humankind, in all places and throughout time.  The Anthropology major is divided into three sub-fields: socio-cultural anthropology, archaeology, and biological anthropology.  Students take classes in all three of the fields, though they may choose to focus their coursework and research in one of these areas.  Reflecting the research interests of Wagner’s faculty, area courses are offered on the anthropology of North America, Mesoamerica, and South America. 

Socio-Cultural Anthropology is the study of human culture and society around the world.  Socio-cultural anthropology students study the relationship between culture and human behavior.  Socio-cultural anthropology students can expand their anthropological training to research and experiential placements in culturally diverse contexts in New York City and beyond.

Archaeology is the study of ancient culture and society.  Archaeology students not only learn about ancient cultures of the world, but also the methods used by archaeologists to study them.  Training in archaeology will begin in the classroom but can extend to archaeological field projects around the world.

Biological Anthropology is the study of modern human biological diversity and the evolutionary history of our species, with an eye toward understanding the interplay between biology and culture.  Biological anthropology students study genetics, skeletal anatomy, human growth and development, our fossil ancestors, and even our closest living relatives, the primates.  Beyond the classroom, students can engage in both field and laboratory projects in biological anthropology.

What can you do with an Anthropology degree?
In today’s complex world, a major in Anthropology is particularly relevant.  Anthropology majors develop a holistic understanding of the human condition and are particularly attuned to issues of diversity and inequality.  Anthropology majors may choose to pursue a career in anthropological research in socio-cultural anthropology, archaeology, or biological anthropology.  However, individuals with anthropology degrees are also sought after in many professional contexts, including non-profit organizations, businesses, and governmental agencies.  Anthropology is also an excellent degree for pre-law and pre-med students.