Anyone majoring or have an anthropology degree?

Question

I LOVE anthropology.. I absolutely adore it. BUT.. I want some advice on what sort of jobs are out there, how much they make, and if your majoring in it or have already graduated how long you went 4-6-8 years?

I'm just wondering, I want to look into it and possibly major in it..but I want to get some information on it.. since it seems no one at my college knows what to tell me.

Answer 1

I have a degree in Anthropology.  If you want a a family and children this may not be the best career to go into due to the demands of having to travel to an anthropological site.

One of my professors once told me that if I want almost no respect, less money, and a load of student loans..... be an anthropologist.  I did not get my advanced degree :)

Answer 2

I also have a BA in anthropology, just graduated in june. And what everyone else here says is also true for me: you'd need to go to school beyond your BA to make a living in anthropology.

I suggest looking into a double major or major-minor. My second major was communication studies, and that is what got me my job (head office of a major dept store).

If you're interested in anthropology, I say go for it! It really is a broad field with so many avenues to explore; I can't speak for the others here, but it has really changed the way I think about a lot of things.

Good luck :)

Answer 3

I'm doing a Master's of Applied Anthropology, but have not worked in the field yet, aside from my research. As I understand job prospects can be in Academics, Development or even Marketing. Anthropologists can also specialize in forensics or archeology. As someone else here said, it's done for the love of it more than hoping to get rich, but if you persevere and add academic stature to your curriculum I'm sure better job prospects come along. Also as they said, there is spending months or years out in the field so you'd have to choose an alternative family lifestyle.

Answer 4

I love anthro ..   but only keep it has my hobby .. or personal interest.   Due to the fact I know I cant do much with a degree..  and 6 - 8 years of school just isn't me.

I have many books on the subject ..  and do much reading through magazines and online ..   this seems to quench my thirst just fine ..

If you really want to pursue this as a career .. then take schooling all the way

good luck

Answer 5

I have an anthropology BA, and I'm currently a psychotherapist lol.  You can't do anything with it unless you have your PHD.  Do anthropology while pursuing something else you can like where you can get a job.

Answer 6

I too have an Anthropology BA and work in a totally different field.

I have no regrets.  I love anthropology.  If I had to do it over, I'd go back and get the BA all over again.

Decide for yourself what to major in.  A major in anthropology is done out of love, not in hopes of an anthro career.  Nine times out of ten anyways, lol.

And try not to get too frustrated that others can't give you the answers you want.  It's YOUR choice, after all.

Answer 7

i switched to anthro after a long hard time with nutrition and social work. with an undergrad its not very career friendly but most undergrads are not anyways. i want to go into public health and u can do that with anthro. really u can do anything after wards so if u love it then study it. just remember that you are gonna spend the rest of ur life working so u might as well enjoy what u study.

Answer 8

I am studying the gringo subculture

Answer 9

I'm minoring in Anthropology myself and majoring in history.

I have been for about 3 years now (between my numerous sabbaticals).  I am thinking about trying to get a Liberal Arts B.A. and see what jobs I can find with that.  I would love to be a professor, but that is a long time from now.  I have read into some possible careers working in museums or historical societies.  

I am by NO means regretting my time studying anthropology and I think you should persue it if you love the subject.  You will become more tolerant of others and other cultures after you study the subject for more than a year.

If you are concerned, then switch it to a minor and find something that is a little more reachable in terms of careers for your major.  Good luck and don't let your professors or advisors dash your hopes.