Mission Statement
The Division of Sociology and Anthropology at West Virginia University provides excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research, and service that is rooted in the rich history of our disciplines. The professional sociologists and anthropologists in our unique program work with the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences (ECAS) and the School of Applied Social Sciences (SASS) to promote and foster:
- a firm foundation in the scientific knowledge of structures, complexities, and dynamics of social groups, embedded in an appreciation for human diversity and social justice
- the curiosity, critical and scientific thinking, and research abilities that are necessary to effectively explore social phenomena
- close collaboration among faculty and students across campus as we engage in scholarly research and build student success in the classroom
Consistent with West Virginia University’s mission as a land-grant institution to be student-centered and research-focused, while also serving our state, nation, and profession, the Division through its faculty serve five distinct groups at West Virginia University :
First, we provide a Sociology & Anthropology major and a Criminology & Investigations major to our undergraduate students.
Second, we introduce our social scientific approach to social groups to a wide range of non-majors. These include minors, MDS students, Regents BAs, and those taking our courses as part of the General Education Curriculum (GEC) program within the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences (ECAS).
Third, we provide a rigorous graduate program in Applied Social Research to our M.A. students from across the world.
Fourth, we serve our profession by publishing and presenting research, attending meetings, and interacting with others in our profession to promote our disciplines and nurture professional growth.
Fifth, consistent with West Virginia University’s mission as a community-oriented land-grant institution, we apply our social scientific approaches to a wide range of questions. We are a valuable resource for information and insight in the areas of our expertise: inequality and criminology. Taking advantage of West Virginia University’s opportunities for cross-disciplinary partnerships, we serve communities on many levels-- campus, local, state, national and international.