Anthropology

A student with a Bachelor's degree in anthropology has acquired critical analysis skills, oral and written communication skills, "people" skills, and a great understanding of many different cultures, which have many applications in public service, political activism and the private sector.
An emphasis in Sociocultural Anthropology could prepare one for work in development, community organizing, policy analysis, and social research. Linguistic Anthropologists may work in the areas of inter-cultural communication, language revitalization, and literacy programs. An emphasis in Archaeology yields prospects for entry-level employment or degree-related careers with one of many Federal and State agencies and private cultural resource management firms. Biological and Medical Anthropologists have the skills which are useful in the growing sector of health related occupations and traditional research. Anthropology graduates are regarded as having excellent preparation for professional training in Law, Medicine, Public Health, School Administration, and Urban Planning.

Some of the employment areas for Anthropology majors include:

• Teaching in Universities and Colleges: In anthropology departments, medical schools, international studies programs.
• Museums: Exhibit design, conservation of and research with collections, museum administration.
• Federal Agencies: Many archaeologists and cultural anthropologists work for the National Park Service, the Agency for International Development, the National Institutes of Health, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other agencies. Some are also employed as staff members for Congressional committees. 
• International Agencies: Anthropologists with expertise in cultures of developing countries are employed by the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the World Bank. 
• Consulting: Includes historical and ethnographic research for Indian tribes; forensic work for police agencies; archaeological survey and excavation, social/cultural impact assessment for large-scale construction projects; designing bilingual and bicultural curricula with school professionals; assessing health care services for specific cultural groups. (American Anthropological Association) Anthropologists are increasingly being employed in non-academic (applied) settings as well as in academia. Students obtaining employment immediately upon graduation are usually those with the best college records and a willingness to relocate to find a job. Use the following examples of employment opportunities for Anthropology majors as an idea list, and remember that it represents some, but certainly not all, of the careers you might consider. Some of these jobs also require education beyond the bachelors' degree.

Related Career Titles for Anthropology Major