About Our Department
Shaping minds, advancing knowledge, and transforming communities since 1963.
Our History
The Department first existed in 1962 as part of the Department of Arts. In 1963, it was transformed into a full Department under the Faculty of Arts, and by 1964 became part of the Faculty of Economics and Social Studies. Following institutional restructuring in 1975, it was maintained under the Faculty of Social Sciences.
During the 1990/1991 academic year, the Department was merged with the Department of Business Studies to form the Department of Economics and Business Studies; this merger was later dissolved and in 1996/1997 the two Departments were re-established as separate entities.
In 2009, an Anthropology programme was initiated, born out of a growing interest in the discipline and in response to the broad institutional interests of the University, the Faculty of Social Sciences, and the Department of Sociology. Anthropology was seen to augment the sociological offerings of the Department, filling a missing component within the Faculty.
Consequently, in 2010, the Department was formally renamed the Department of Sociology and Anthropology to reflect this expanded mandate and the incorporation of the newly developed programme.
Today the Department has a large student population including international exchange students, and services sister departments across the Education and Arts faculties. The curriculum has expanded from 53 courses to 66, organised into specialised concentrations that allow students to develop expertise in areas of their interest.
Our Mission
To produce graduates who are adequately equipped with critical and analytical skills in order to meet the educational, administrative and other resource needs of the country; and extension and consultancy services to the global community.
Our Vision
To maintain, consolidate and further strengthen our position as a centre of excellence and scholarship in the teaching of Sociology and Anthropology as social sciences and also as a centre of research in relevant socio-cultural issues.
Core Values
The principles that guide our teaching, research, and community engagement
Excellence
Striving to achieve the highest standards in all endeavours.
Critical Thinking
Harnessing intellectual capacity to generate innovative solutions.
Objectivity
Maintaining fairness and independence in judgement.
Networking
Building strategic partnerships to enhance growth and impact.
Integrity
Demonstrating honesty and accountability at all times.
Commitment
Dedicating effort and persistence to achieve goals.
Service
Applying knowledge and expertise for the benefit of society.
Openness
Embracing change and new ideas.
Morality
Upholding socially accepted standards of right conduct.
Alumni Voices
Hear from our graduates and former students about their transformative experience in the Department
“A part of me feels like I am writing this ten years late, the other part of feels this is right on time. My time as a graduate student shaped my intellectual curiosity and endowed me the useful tools to pursue meaningful research. The Department's supportive and interdisciplinary ecosystem is unparallel; of sort which broadened my perspective in several subject areas. For those passionate about research, I strongly recommend applying.”
“Sociology, I would say is not just an academic program of study but a life time life opener. Living in today's society where every aspect of it deals with human life and interactions, I have come to understand and relate well with people around me. I demonstrated some unique and exceptional skills in my leadership journey as the secretary and vice president of VALCO Hall. And I'd boldly say I was able to do so because I understood what the program entails.”
“As an alumnus of the department of Sociology and Anthropology, my academic journey has been both enriching and transformative. The programme equipped me with a strong understanding of social systems, cultural dynamics and critical thinking skills essential for real-life experiences. Through engaging with lecturers, faculty and peers I developed intellectually and personally. I am proud to be part of the SOASA community.”
Message from the Head of Department
“Dear Prospective Student,
On behalf of the faculty, staff, and students of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, I am delighted to introduce you to this website and look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant academic community at the University of Cape Coast.
The Department has, since its establishment in 1963, remained committed to producing graduates who are equipped with the critical and analytical skills needed to understand, interpret, and transform the societies in which we live. Our programmes draw on rich theoretical traditions while remaining firmly rooted in the realities of Ghanaian, African social life and the life beyond the shores of Africa.
Whether you are interested in exploring questions of gender, migration, culture, health, peace, work-life balance, blue economy or development, you will find a home here. Our dedicated faculty bring both scholarly rigour and practical experience to the classroom, and our graduates go on to distinguished careers across the public sector, civil society, academia, and international organisations.
I encourage you to explore this brochure and reach out to us with any questions. We look forward to accompanying you on your academic journey.
Yours sincerely,”
Prof.(Mrs.) Georgina Yaa Oduro
Head of Department