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The Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, and Social Work supports four academic disciplines, with four majors and three minors (in addition to a minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies), while contributing to several inter-disciplinary programs.
Antiracism Statement
The Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, and Social Work fully supports and advocates for an anti-racist department and campus. We commit to creating an anti-racist and inclusive space where our Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) students, faculty, and staff can study and work without fear of racial discrimination or violence of any kind. We commit to actively engaging in sustained efforts to create a more equitable department and campus community.
Anti-Racism Committee: Faculty and students in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, and Social Work are engaged in a variety of equity-minded practices and are dedicated to creating and fostering an anti-racist climate in our department for BIPOC students, faculty, and staff.
| Department Chair Theresa Severance, PhD Webb Hall, Room 432 (860) 465-4656 severancet@easternct.edu |
Department Secretary Marsha Cwikla Webb Hall, Room 421 (860) 465-4550 cwiklam@easternct.edu |
| Sociology Nicolas Simon, PhD Eastern Hall, Room 7 (860) 465-0489 simonn@easternct.edu |
Social Work Eunice Matthews, PhD Webb Hall, Room 430 (860) 465-0102 matthewse@easternct.edu |
| Anthropology Ricardo Pérez, PhD On Sabbatical Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 Please contact Dr. Amanda Leiss (860) 465-5138 leissa@easternct.edu |
Criminology Nicholas Parsons, PhD Webb Hall, Room 439 (860) 465-4497 parsonsn@easternct.edu |
Cara Bergstrom-Lynch, professor of sociology at Eastern Connecticut State University, participated in the 21st annual Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage in Northampton, MA, on Dec. 8, her 12th appearance at the event. Her participation raised awareness about domestic violence and honored Eastern student Alyssiah Wiley, who was murdered in 2013 by her ex-boyfriend.
Thirty-two social work majors at Eastern Connecticut State University conducted a series of interactive presentations for local high school and community college students this fall semester. Titled “Professional Advocacy Networking,” the eight talks introduced curious mental health professionals to the field of social work and its many values and opportunities.
Walner Homere’s educational beginnings were humble. Originally from Haiti, Homere was left with limited options for higher education after scoring a 670 on his SAT. After applying to Eastern Connecticut State University in the early 1990s, however, he was invited to participate in the University’s alternative admissions program known as STEP/CAP — Summer Transition at Eastern Program/Contract Admissions Program.
Practicum and internship courses complement classroom instruction in the Sociology major and give students an opportunity to gain experience in one or more field placement settings. Sociology majors graduate ready for employment in community, business and organizational settings or for graduate level study in sociology, social work, law and other career fields. A Sociology minor is also available to other majors.
The Anthropology major offers two concentrations — Cultural Anthropology and Archaeology. It also can be used as a second major for students majoring in Sociology, Criminology, History, Psychological Science, Political Science, World Languages and Cultures, Health Sciences, Environmental Earth Science, Business Administration, New Media Studies, Art History, and Women’s and Gender Studies. Our faculty includes experts in Latin American, Caribbean, Canadian, and Native American studies. Applied learning opportunities are embedded in the programs’ required field courses, which can include internships at museums, archaeological field work at sites in New England and the Midwest, and study trips to other countries.
The Criminology major examines the nature of criminal law, the causes of criminal behavior, and societal responses to crime and offenders. The program approaches the study of crime and crime problems primarily from a sociological perspective, with an emphasis on social inequality and diversity. Students who earn the degree enter the field with greater understanding of social and cultural differences, and how these impact experiences and attitudes about crime, offenders and the criminal justice system. The Criminology minor is also available to other majors.
Eastern's Social Work program is an accredited BSW program identified as one of the "Best BSW Programs in Connecticut" and one of the 101 "Most Affordable BSW Programs" in the nation. Under the program's "cohort" format, students progress through the major as a group, developing supportive relationships with their peers and faculty. Students also develop knowledge and skills through hands-on interventions designed to impact social policies and the lives of individuals and groups. Our faculty are practicing social work professionals who integrate their experiences into the classroom.
