Coronavirus Update: USD will begin its fall semester Aug. 19 and conclude classroom instruction by Thanksgiving for most of its academic programs. The university is committed to on-campus operations this fall. USD will continue remote delivery through the summer academic term (May 18-Aug. 7). All USD-hosted events and visitor activities are canceled through July 31. USD plans to host graduation ceremonies on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. More Updates about USD's Pandemic Planning
Department of Anthropology and Sociology
Explore the diversity and behavior of humankind from biological, cultural, historical and societal perspectives.
The Department of Anthropology and Sociology houses two distinct majors that both explore humans and their behavior. You will major in either anthropology or sociology and take classes specific to each area of study.
Anthropology
Anthropology deals with human culture and biology, both past and present.
Sociology
Sociologists find that their work is at the center of important and controversial issues, such as family change, crime and delinquency, income and wealth inequality, race relations and immigration.
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News in Brief
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VERMILLION, S.D. – Dean Michael Kruger, Ph.D., presented five faculty members in the University of South Dakota College of Arts & Sciences with awards for their teaching, research and service at the college’s annual meeting in April.
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VERMILLION, S.D. – A University of South Dakota anthropologist’s expertise in chronological modeling using radiocarbon dating has earned him a spot as a researcher on two grants supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
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USD now offers an undergraduate certificate in forensic anthropology. This new program will provide students with the ability to use analytical methods to analyze a crime scene, process large amounts of relevant forensic data and improve the quality of police and forensic work.
