Sociology and Anthropology Department
Why Study Sociology and Anthropology at UNC Asheville?
Earn a degree in Anthropology or Sociology from UNC Asheville and prepare for meaningful careers in education, community development, social policy, nonprofit leadership, and beyond. Students can pursue teacher licensure, gain applied research experience through specialized certificate programs, or deepen their impact through community engagement opportunities both in and out of the classroom. With flexible academic pathways, integrated learning, and a strong liberal arts foundation, UNC Asheville’s Anthropology and Sociology programs equip students with the skills and perspective to thrive in a diverse and changing world.
Sociology & Anthropology Programs
Sociology
B.A. Minor Teacher Licensure
Sociology students at UNC Asheville explore social systems and issues like race, gender, and globalization through an interdisciplinary, hands-on approach. With opportunities for research, internships, and community engagement, the program prepares students to analyze and impact the world around them.
Anthropology
B.A. Minor Teacher Licensure
Anthropology students at UNC Asheville examine human cultures, evolution, and behavior through a global, interdisciplinary lens. With opportunities for fieldwork, research, and community-based learning, the program equips students to understand the complexities of human experience and contribute meaningfully to a diverse and interconnected world.
Career Outcomes
Career Outcomes
With a degree in Sociology or Anthropology from UNC Asheville, students gain the critical thinking, research, and communication skills needed to succeed in fields such as social services, nonprofit work, education, criminal justice, and public policy. The programs also provide a strong foundation for graduate study in areas such as law, social work, business, and advocacy.
Internship Opportunities
Internship Opportunities
Both Sociology and Anthropology at UNC Asheville emphasize real-world experience as a vital part of the academic journey. Through structured internships, students gain career-ready skills and build professional networks. Sociology majors complete internships as part of their degree, with support from faculty advisors, the Career Center, and campus career fairs. Anthropology majors take ANTH 305, a career-focused course that helps them secure internships and plan for the future. Across both programs, students are empowered to take ownership of their professional growth while receiving guidance and resources to thrive during college and beyond.
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate Research
Students have the opportunity to engage in original research through the nationally recognized Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Program (URCAP), an experience typically available only at the graduate level. With guidance from faculty mentors, students design and carry out independent projects that reflect their individual interests and academic goals. This immersive experience strengthens critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, often leading to outcomes such as publications or presentations at conferences like the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. The URCAP empowers students to take ownership of their learning and make meaningful contributions in their areas of study.
A Community of Connections
A Community of Connections
At UNC Asheville, Sociology and Anthropology students become part of a close-knit, supportive community—one where learning extends beyond the classroom and into real relationships. Faculty mentorship is central to the student experience, with professors offering individualized guidance and meaningful collaboration at every stage. Events like Chocolate Tuesdays bring students together for informal conversations relevant to career and grad school goals–always paired with good company and free chocolate. End of semester celebrations offer a chance for students and alumni to socialize with faculty and build connections. Whether through campus gatherings, internships, or research partnerships, students build strong ties within the department and across the Western North Carolina community, graduating with both knowledge and a network.
My journey through the sociology department profoundly influenced my current passion for researching and understanding social patterns, health behaviors, and inequality…More than just academic knowledge, these faculty members, and many others, fostered a nurturing environment that supported my personal and academic growth.
Sociology and Anthropology Department Faculty
UNC Asheville is an ideal place to explore your interest in sociology and anthropology. In our small, discussion-based classes, students build strong mentoring relationships with an interdisciplinary faculty who bring a global perspective to the classroom and have conducted research on five continents. Our faculty are deeply committed to helping students understand and engage with the complexities of the human experience. While sociology and anthropology are closely connected, each offers distinct ways of exploring the social and cultural forces that shape our world. Individually, each program is involved in documenting and understanding the varieties of human experience. Together, they provide a rich, supportive environment for meaningful academic and personal growth.
Megan R. Underhill, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Office: 206 Zageir Hall
Phone: 6976
Email: munderhi@unca.edu
Office Hours
By appointment only (email to schedule)
Blu Buchanan, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Sociology
Office: Zageir 218
Phone:
Email: bbuchan5@unca.edu
Office Hours
By appointment only
Jessica Cooper
Administrative Assistant
Office: 203 Zageir Hall
Phone: 251-6426
Email: jncooper@unca.edu
Volker Frank, Ph.D.
Interim Department Chair
Office: 212 Zageir Hall
Phone: 251-6981
Email: vfrank@unca.edu
Office Hours
By appointment only
Carla Hung, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Anthropology
Office: 213 Zageir Hall
Phone: 686-5007
Email: chung@unca.edu
John Wood, Ph.D.
Professor of Anthropology
Office: 217 Zageir Hall
Phone: 251-6977
Email: jwood@unca.edu
Paige Ambord, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Sociology
Office: Zageir 215
Phone: (828) 250-2366
Email: pambord@unca.edu
Caitlin Meagher, Ph.D.
Lecturer in Anthropology
Office: Zageir 219
Phone: (828) 250-3868
Email: cmeagher@unca.edu
Katherine C. Zubko, Ph.D.
Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, Director of Religious Studies, Professor of Religious Studies and Anthropology
Office: 139 Zageir Hall
Phone: 350-4560
Email: kzubko@unca.edu
Office Hours
Monday 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Wednesday 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Or by appointment
Ready for What's Next?
UNC Asheville’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology explores the complexity of human societies, cultures, and social structures through a global and interdisciplinary lens. Students gain a deep understanding of issues such as inequality, identity, cultural traditions, and social change while developing strong research, analytical, and communication skills. With opportunities for community engagement, internships, and undergraduate research, the program prepares graduates to think critically and apply their knowledge in fields ranging from public service and education to law, health, and international work.