Sociology and Anthropology at University of Redlands

The Professor has landed in Redlands, California, a lush, temperate city of about 70,000, nestled between Southern California’s urban areas, ski-mountain destinations, and theme parks, all of which are close enough for a day trip or weekend getaway. In the midst of all this natural and cultural wonder, Redlands is a livable city of historic charm and exurban convenience. No wonder it’s nicknamed the Jewel of the Inland Empire.

With such a multitude of vantage points, Redlands seems a fitting place from which to embark on a course of study that aims to “understand humanity in all its social and cultural diversity.” Those are words from the Sociology and Anthropology Department at the University of Redlands, which confers majors or minors in “SOAN,” a degree combining sociology and anthropology. Students in the program learn to understand and analyze social structures, institutions, and processes. In an effort to encourage SOAN students to be responsible citizens, the department emphasizes developing a solid understanding of inequality and prejudice and urges students to challenge stereotypes.

Many SOAN majors become researchers or work with social scientists and urban planners. Others work in education, government, or business, often with a mission of solving social, economic, or environmental problems. SOAN graduates also typically pursue careers in social work, medicine, urban planning, or museums.

The Professor found the views on Redlands’ picturesque, 160-acre campus quintessentially Californian. The historic Memorial Chapel, for instance, is framed by snow-capped mountains and fronted with a spacious lawn known at The Quad, shaded by oaks and bordered with palm trees. For more up-close glimpses of campus, visit the online, interactive Bulldog Cam, or watch a very inviting hip-hop campus-tour video.

The University of Redlands is a private school with about 4,500 students. It has an active athletics program and a busy schedule of music, theater, community, and special events. Students practice the university’s “learning by doing” philosophy in over 120 clubs and organizations, where they pursue sports, fine arts, culture, politics, social justice, or religion. Many students find lifelong friendships by joining the school’s active Greek organizations.

Several programs, departments, and projects at Redlands contribute to the university’s environmentalist efforts, characterized by LEED-certified buildings, a comprehensive recycling program, and a campus farm. And, consistent with its Earth-friendly focus, the university offers degree programs in environmental science, policy, and business.

Redlands ranks on US News & World Report Best Colleges and on the Forbes list of top colleges.

To learn more about the University of Redlands application requirements and deadlines for Sociology/Anthropology and other programs, please visit www.redlands.edu.