The mission of the department of Sociology and Anthropology is to conduct research, teaching, and outreach to help individuals, groups, and organizations in North Carolina, the region, the nation, and other countries better understand society and culture.

 To accomplish this mission, the department:

• focuses on relevant theoretical, social, and cross-cultural issues
• conducts basic and applied research
• provides high quality undergraduate and graduate education
• transfers knowledge through outreach and extension programs
• operates with public and private financial support

The department is recognized as a community of scholars creating excellence through diversity and innovation.

 This vision is possible because the department:

• has a respected, diverse, and innovative faculty
• fosters excellence in education, research, outreach, and extension
• maintains rigorous standards of scholarship in research, teaching, and outreach
• exhibits a work environment of solidarity and trust
• displays respect for diversity in work styles, disciplinary orientations, and time allocations to departmental missions
• operates through an inclusive faculty governance process
• generates and disseminates theory and research to help solve real-world problems