These compelling programs will show you how to explore humanity

If you want to learn about the human experience, then you’ve come to the right place. The Department of Sociology and Anthropology at MSU Denver examines the social behavior and the biological evolution that make us human. 

Students walking outsideSociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob, from organized crime to religious traditions, from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture. Because sociology addresses the most challenging issues of our time, it is a rapidly expanding field whose potential is increasingly tapped by those who craft policies and create programs. 

Hominin skull casts

A degree in anthropology opens your world to many fascinating areas of exploration. It provides a cultural basis to explore contemporary problems of human diversity, an archaeological foundation to explore the totality of human experience from its beginnings to the present, and biological anthropology to delve into the study of humans as biological organisms. The Bachelor of Arts degree will prepare you to collect and analyze data, material and cultural, to assist you in basic scientific problem-solving. You’ll learn through hands-on work in the field and in the classroom.

If you’re interested in social science, possess analytical and problem-solving skills and like to be challenged, the Department of Sociology and Anthropology will serve you well.

Dr. Sanaa Riaz teaching

Meet our Faculty & Staff

Need advising in Sociology or Anthropology? Looking for faculty contact information?

Our Sociology and Anthropology Faculty and Staff would be happy to help!  Click below.

In the News

Chance Ward of History Colorado delivering a colloquium talk to the Department of Sociology and Anthropology on October 31, 2024.

Discussing Repatriation with History Colorado's NAGPRA Coordinator Chance Ward, M.S. (Lakota)

Chance Ward (MS, Lakota), NAGPRA Coordinator at History Colorado, presented at the Department Colloquium Series on October 31, 2024.

Check out the Flyer here!
Dr. Rebecca Forgash and Katrina Geist presenting.

Cultivating Connections: Exploring the Social Networks of Japanese Organic Farmers in Okinawa

Katrina Geist (MA), Rebecca Forgash (PhD), and Hisashi Araya-Kjeseth, along with discussant Su Il Kim (PhD) presented at the Department Colloquium Series on October 17, 2024.

Check out the Flyer here!
Central City Excavation

Historic Central City, CO Archaeological Excavation

Dr. Jade Luiz interviewed with Denver7 to discuss a student-anthropologist excavation of historic remains of a former brothel outside of Central City and the learning opportunities it provides for students.

Check out the News Clip Here!
Historic artifacts excavated on the Auraria Campus.

Archaeological Dig Reveals Truth About Residents Displaced by Auraria Campus Construction

Artifacts from an archaeological dig in Denver’s oldest neighborhood reveal the history of those who were displaced from the Auraria Campus.

Check out the News Clip Here!
Anthropology faculty and students setting up Auraria archaeology display in the Auraria Library.

Artifacts Tell the True Story of Displaced Aurarians

Politicians and planners once depicted the neighborhood as 'poor and deteriorating.' A recent archaeological dig reveals otherwise. The 44-piece collection is now on display in the Auraria Library.

Check out the story here!
Archaeological Field School on Auraria Campus

Archaeological Dig to Uncover Legacy of Displaced Aurarians - 9News

Auraria Campus students and faculty members spent the Fall 2022 semester unearthing artifacts beneath the Ninth Street Historic Park. Check out the Denver 9News coverage!

Check out the News Clip Here!
Dr. Michael Kolb at Auraria Excavation

Archaeological Dig to Help Uncover Legacy of Displaced Aurarians

MSU Denver Anthropology Students and Faculty spent Fall 2022 unearthing artifacts beneath the Ninth Street Historic Park on the Auraria Campus.

Check out the story here!
Excavators on site at the Loretto Heights excavation site.

Operation Sacred Rescue: Exhumation of Buried Loretto Sisters

MSU Denver Anthropology Faculty and Students exhumed 62 nuns in Denver's Loretto Heights for reinternment at a new location.

Check out the story here!

Upcoming Events

Please check back for upcoming events!

Awards & Recognition

Dr. Michala Stock receiving a 2024 MSU Denver SOAR Award.

Dr. Michala Stock wins 2024 MSU Denver SOAR Award!

Congratulations to Associate Professor of Anthropology Dr. Michala Stock for receiving an MSU Denver SOAR Award, the university's pinnacle individual award, at The Roadrunners Who Soar Awards Ceremony on April 4, 2024!

Check out the Story Here!
Dr. Jade Luiz receiving the 2024 CLAS Award for Excellence in Research

Dr. Jade Luiz wins 2024 CLAS Deans Award for Excellence in Research!

Congratulations to Assistant Professor of Anthropology Dr. Jade Luiz for receiving the 2024 College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Excellence in Research Award!

Click Here to See Winners!
Todd Yokley wins a Roadrunners Shoutout Award

Dr. Todd Yokley wins March 2024 Roadrunner Shoutout Award!

Congratulations to Anthropology Professor Dr. Todd Yokley for receiving the March 2024 Roadrunner Shoutout Award at the monthly President’s Cabinet meeting!

Check out the Story Here!
Dr. Michael Kolb receiving an MSU Denver SOAR Award.

Dr. Michael Kolb wins 2023 MSU Denver SOAR Award!

Congratulations to Anthropology Professor Dr. Michael Kolb for receiving an MSU Denver SOAR Award, the university's pinnacle individual award, at The Roadrunners Who Soar Awards Ceremony on April 6, 2023!

Career Paths

  • Education
  • Government
  • Market Research
  • Human Resources
  • Cultural Resource Management
  • Museum Curation
  • Archiving
  • Conservation

Charles W. Fisher Award

The Charles W. Fisher Award is given to exceptional graduating seniors in Sociology and Anthropology. Learn more by clicking below!

Charles W. Fisher Award Info & Recipients
two open hands palms up holding a yellow flower

Giving to the Department of Sociology and Anthropology

Your generous donations support MSU Denver students pursue their dreams. 

Your tax-deductible donation will help the Department of Sociology and Anthropology continue to provide a quality and competitive education for our students.

Department of Sociology and Anthropology

Campus Location:
Central Classroom (CN) 106

Mailing Address:
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Campus Box 28, P.O. Box 173362
Denver, Colorado 80217-3362

Phone:
303-615-1400

E-mail (Program Coordinator, Vonda Knox):
[email protected]

Fax:
303-556-5360