Human behavior. Biology. Culture. Societies. Social change. Explore what brings us together and what makes us unique on biological and social levels through the Department of Anthropology & Sociology.
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The fields of anthropology and sociology enable us to better understand humans and human behavior of the present and the past. From culture and biology to social patterns and institutions, the areas of specialty within these discipline are expansive, reflecting the complexity of the human experience.
At USD, our faculty are active scholars who are committed to excellence through their teaching and mentorship, research and scholarship, and service to the community. Our students actively pursue the questions that spark their curiosity, gaining invaluable experience through opportunities like conducting research alongside faculty in the community, the field and the Archaeology lab; interning at local museums and non-profit organizations, presenting research at our departmental symposium, and more. USD students learn to think critically and analytically as they prepare for careers where a thorough understanding of humans, human behavior, culture and society are valuable. Our graduates go on to satisfying careers in archaeology, social and human services, non-profit development, foreign relations, museum management, public relations, law enforcement, park services and more.
“Walking across that stage meant that my son got to see that life is what you make of it and that it is never too late to reach for your dreams.”
University of South Dakota student Ryan Conover was selected for the nationally competitive Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program. As part of this program, Conover will embark on an immersive study abroad experience in Kyrgyzstan, a country in Central Asia, and study Russian.
Nothing is perfect, but that doesn’t stop humans from imagining and striving for utopia, or an idealized society. On the flipside is utopia’s dark twin, dystopia: an imagined world of misery, inequality and oppression.
The USD Archaeology Laboratory (ARCHLAB) is the research facility for the anthropology program at USD, home to laboratories, curation facilities, a wet lab and more.
On campus, the USD Archaeology Laboratory provides the equipment and resources for in-depth analysis of archaeological finds. Student researchers have examined bones, seeds and other items from locations in South Dakota and around the world. Off campus, our program offers the Susan Tuve Archaeology Field School each summer to give students hands-on experience in archaeological field research.
Sociology students gain valuable research experience through courses that encourage them to ask questions about the social world and then teach them the qualitative and quantitative skills to answer those questions. Students can present their findings at our annual social science interdisciplinary symposium and may also expand their research into a full undergraduate thesis. Recent students have researched social barriers to health care for college students and the social consequences of globalization.
Not only does USD offer the state's only undergraduate anthropology degree at a public university; the university is also home to several unique programs like a forensic anthropology certificate and an archaeology minor. No matter what your interests are, you'll find a minor or certificate that enriches your education.
Our sociology program is equally unique, with a flexible curriculum that enables students to easily double major and position themselves for success in a variety of fields. Plus, the sociology major is offered in Vermillion, in Sioux Falls and online – ensuring students can realize their educational goals no matter where they live.
For students preparing for careers in health care, our health and culture certificate builds is a great addition to your education and will help build cultural and societal awareness.
The faculty of the anthropology department work to advance students in their careers and their lives. Students in the anthropology department have the opportunity to conduct field research, work in labs and practically apply the skills they learn in the classroom.
Rose McLaughlin
B.A. International Studies, History, Anthropology ’20
Graduate Student, London School of Economics and Political Science
