Department of Sociology and Anthropology

The 21st century belongs to interdisciplinary research. At Saint Louis University, the Department of Sociology and Anthropology prepares graduates who are poised to take part, formed by our unique approach to scholarship, teaching and service.

Katherine MAcKinnon, Ph.D. teaches an anthorpology class.

Katherine MacKinnon, Ph.D., teaches a course in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.

We offer programs in anthropology, sociology, forensic science and geographic information systems. These four specialties unite different empirical research techniques and theory to broaden our curriculum and create well-rounded students.

Our courses adapt to the evolving sociological and anthropological environment. Innovative interdisciplinary programs round out our program offerings. Staying ahead of the curve is key to what we do and our academics reflect that.

Academic Programs

B.A. or minor in Anthropology - Typical Four Year Course Sequence
B.S. or minor in Forensic Science - Typical Four Year Course Sequence
B.A. or minor in Sociology - Typical Four Year Course Sequence
Minor in Computational Geospatial Science
Dual Degree J.D./M.A. or B.A./M.A. in Sociology
Ph.D. in Public and Social Policy

Fieldwork, Internships and Practica

SLU’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology offers you the opportunity to gain invaluable on-site experience at places like the Metropolitan Employment and Rehabilitation Service, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. Internships and fieldwork aren’t limited to local agencies, though. Opportunities nationally and internationally can expose you to other cultures as you gain an appreciation for a world beyond your own. Field schools offered through the department are the perfect avenues for students interested in hands-on experiences, and seamlessly work into the curriculum of programs in the department.

Forensic science majors are required to take a practicum course and be placed in a forensic lab that complements their career interests. Opportunities in crime labs, medical examiner’s offices and forensic anthropology labs are all available.

Meet with the internship director, Bruce O'Neill, Ph.D., prior to contacting any agency regarding an internship, fieldwork or practicum experience.

FACULTY NEWS AND NOTES

Ness Sandoval, Ph.D., (Sociology and Anthropology) was quoted in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch about why population growth in the St. Louis metropolitan area lags behind faster-growing regions.
Research by Joel Jennings, Ph.D. (Sociology and Anthropology) and Chris Prener, Ph.D., (Sociology and Anthropology) was highlighted in a St. Louis Public Radio story about the history behind barricaded public streets in St. Louis neighborhoods. Prener also was quoted in the story.
Elizabeth Chiarello, Ph.D. ,(Sociology and Anthropology) was recently published in the Missourian on how Missouri legislators want doctors to police patients instead of treating them.
Chris Prener, Ph.D., (Sociology and Anthropology) was quoted in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on how Missouri is reporting positive COVID-19 cases.
Ajlina Karamehic-Muratovic, Ph.D., (Sociology and Anthropology) and Patrick McCarthy (University Libraries) were quoted in an article in Euro (Czech Republic) about the successful integration of Bosnian refugees in St. Louis.
Onesimo "Ness" Sandoval, Ph.D., (Sociology and Anthropology) was quoted in a St. Louis Post-Dispatch story about population and wealth trends in the City of St. Louis.
Chris Prener, Ph.D., (Sociology and Anthropology) was quoted in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch about the connection between children who were victims of urban gun violence and racist posts by some city police officers.
Chris Prener, Ph.D. ,(Sociology and Anthropology) was interviewed on KSDK-TV Ch. 5 about street barriers.
Chris Prener, Ph.D., (Sociology and Anthropology) was interviewed on St. Louis Public Radio about the impact of consolidation of local governments on Indianapolis.
Research by Joel Jennings, Ph.D., (Sociology and Anthropology) and Chris Prener, Ph.D., (Sociology and Anthropology) about the impact of road closures on a community was quoted in a citylab.com story.
Amy Cooper, Ph.D., recently published a book entitled "State of Health: Pleasure and Politics in Venezuelan Health Care under Chávez ."
Christopher Prener, Ph.D., was quoted in a St. Louis Post-Dispatch story about the rising number of abandoned buildings in St. Louis.
Liz Chiarello, Ph.D., discussed her work on the U.S. opioid crisis with Samtal við Samfélagið.
Onesimo "Ness" Sandoval, Ph.D., was quoted in a St. Louis Public Radio story about local Africans' and African-Americans' potential responses to questions about race that will be included on the 2020 Census.