In addition to classroom experiences, anthropology and sociology students have many opportunities to learn and grow in other contexts.

Sociology Activities and Opportunities

All sociology students will engage in real-world, immersive learning experiences. Students may also choose to earn credit toward graduation while studying abroad. Many are involved with the local chapter of AKD, our disciplinary honor society. Students are also encouraged to augment their professional development by attending annual meetings of the American Sociological Association and the North Central Sociological Association.

Immersive Learning

students preparing food in the Second Harvest Food Bank kitchenImmersive learning brings together student-driven teams guided by sociology faculty mentors to create high-impact learning experiences.

In our methods (SOC 380) and capstone (SOC 492) classes, students earn credit for working collaboratively with nonprofits and government agencies to address community challenges.

Past community partners include Second Harvest Food Bank, Henry County Drug Court, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Project Leadership, United Way, and more!

Get Involved

Call 765-285-1575 or email Laura Waldron for more information and to find out how immersive learning fits into your program of study.

Partner with Us

Are you interested in interdisciplinary immersive learning opportunities?

Learn More

In addition to immersive learning projects, sociology students experience real-world application of their classroom projects in a wide range of internship opportunities.

Whether you work within our existing partnerships or forge your own path with an organization whose mission you are passionate about, you can earn sociology credit while also developing valuable transferable skills and career networks.

Find an Internship

a group of students in Costa RicaSociology students have the opportunity to study abroad in numerous countries and earn credit toward their degree. Programs are led by faculty from Ball State and other institutions, and are offered during regular semesters as well as summer sessions and for shorter durations. Internship credit may be available.

Students are invited to explore the options available through Ball State’s Rinker Center for Global Affairs.

Learn More

Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) is an international honor society that provides service, research, and social opportunities to sociology students.

Learn More

 

Student and faculty participation in professional organizations enables the sharing of expertise and the development of professional networks beyond our institution. Many individuals in our department are members of the American Sociological Association (an international association) and the North Central Sociological Association (a regional association). Both associations hold annual conferences, where our faculty and students regularly present research, participate in panels, and engage in other professional development activities.

The American Sociological Association (ASA) is an international organization. Members gather for their annual meeting in August; the location varies by year. The submission deadline for papers, symposia, courses, workshops, etc. is typically in January, but attendees may register to attend until much closer to the conference date.

Learn More

Our faculty maintain connections with many associations; however, the department is perhaps most heavily involved with the North Central Sociological Association (NCSA). Members gather for their annual meeting in late March or early April; the location varies by year. The submission deadline for papers and other presentations is typically in December or January, but attendees may register to attend until much closer to the conference date.

Our department usually brings a contingent of students to this conference to present their work and engage in other professional development activities.

Learn More

Anthropology Activities and Opportunities

Anthropology is best learned when you can get your hands dirty and explore what’s not found in textbooks. All anthropology students will access field study and study abroad opportunities, archaeology field school, and professional internships. Many are involved with the Lambda Alpha National Anthropology Honor Society and anthropology club.

Field Study & Study Abroad

Field study and study abroad opportunities are the best way for you to take what you’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to real-life situations. You can participate in department sponsored ethnographic field schools in Bosnia and India or an archaeological field school in the Midwest. These opportunities  are definitely a life-changing experience. 

 

Study Abroad

Our Rinker Center for Global Affairs offers many options for studying abroad, from class trips led by professors to independent exchanges at foreign universities. These programs are open to all students, and they vary in length, location, and cost. Learn more.

Students working on project

Check out the Archeology Field Schools: Digging Up History

Since the 1970s, the Department of Anthropology has offered local field schools to give students hands-on experience that will prepare them for their future education, research, and careers. Taking place over the summer, these two-week or five-week programs allow students to earn course credits and meet their degree requirements, all while experiencing a priceless hands-on learning opportunity.

Learn more

Professional internships provide excellent opportunities to gain experience in your field, often while earning money, receiving credit, boosting your resume, and getting your foot in the door in our profession.

We’ll help you find a place that may interest you.

Internship Guidelines

If you're a current student planning to intern, please review our guidelines.

 

 

 

Anthropology Club

Anthropology Club is a group for students interested in lively discussion of topics in our field, hands-on activities, and social networking within the department. Activities range from movie nights to knitting workshops to field trips. Anthropology club also sponsors an annual student-run conference and sometimes a museum display. Learn more.

Lambda Alpha Anthropology National Honor Society

As a student in our department, you’re able to join the Lambda Alpha National Anthropology Honor Society. The organization supports scholarship and research by acknowledging and honoring achievement among students in our field. Learn more.

Student with poster presentation

Student Activities

Find your unique place and voice at Ball State through about 400 student organizations that host hundreds of events all year long. Use our Benny Link online search tool to connect with an activity that’s right for you. Start searching.