SOAN FAQ

               

What is the Sociology and Anthropology Program; SOAN?

                    

SOCIOLOGY studies group behavior in the larger social context, the social structures which affect how we live in our world.   ANTHROPOLOGY studies human culture and diversity. It studies how cultures around the world differ and how people construct meanings that affect our understandings and actions. Together they prepare students for a wide range of careers working with people.

                         

What can I do with a degree in SOAN?

                     

SOAN prepares students to work with people in a wide range of careers, some in direct service and others in administration.  Many work for service organizations such as programs for children, the elderly, community development, youth programs or with persons with disabilities. Some work in business in human relations or marketing. Some work in policy or survey research organizations or as faculty in colleges. Many work in church related organizations such as youth leaders, pastors, or Bible translators. A SOAN degree is good preparation for graduate work in Social Work, Law, Seminary, Business, Community Development or administration.  Click here for a list of positions held by recent graduates.

                     

WHAT COURSES WILL I TAKE?

                     

There is a core of courses which includes an introduction, methodology, and theory course.  All students take a Senior Thesis course in which students research a topic of special interest, write a paper and present their topic to other students at a research symposium. Students can then choose from a wide range of SOAN electives with the option of focusing on either Sociology or Anthropology. One of the real advantages of our program is that it is relatively small and allows students to take electives from other departments, to double major or take a minor in another area. There is room for international study or study at the Messiah College Philly Campus. Students take the same General Education classes that all students at Messiah College take. Click here for a list of courses and requirements.

                     

CAN I DO INTERNATIONAL STUDY OR STUDY AT THE PHILLY CAMPUS?

                       

Not only CAN you do international study or study at the Philly Campus with a SOAN major, we encourage it strongly and will help you work it into your schedule. We strongly encourage an entire semester abroad. Many of the courses you take will count for General Education or Major electives.  Some students spend more than one semester in study abroad or at Philly.

                    

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT SOAN AT MESSIAH COLLEGE?

                      

                                

• We are one of the few programs that combine Sociology and Anthropology into one major.
• Our program is designed to be flexible to facilitate a double major, a minor, international study, and a broad choice of electives.
• We integrate a faith perspective into all of our courses. There are many ways that a SOAN perspective helps understand the Bible and how to apply it in our complex world.  SOAN helps understand key themes of the Bible, social justice, poverty, and inequality.
• Our faculty are active in community organizations and local churches and have had significant experience in social service organizations.
• A number of our courses include Service-Learning.
• We make available internships and a Major Honor program.
• We offer membership in a national honor society, Alpha Kappa Delta.