B.A. in Anthropology?

Question

I was considering majoring in Anthropology in a few months when I transfer. I'm on my way to recieving my associates in Liberal Arts Fine Arts. So what I really wanted to know was if having an associates is helpful in anyway, and what careers I could potentially have with a B.A. in Anthropology. Thanks.

Answer 1

In order to work in the field you won't be happy without a PhD at the very least.  BUT, there are many opportunities for people with a strong background in anthropology in business, science, government, research, education .... all over the place.  Just by itself, though, the BA in anthro will not get you far.  

I chose it as a minor to my BS in biological sciences because I knew I was going into medicine.  The anthro background has helped me understand different cultures and, I believe, has made me a more well-rounded healer; it gives you a sense of empathy for others you may not have had before and it really opens your eyes to the world around you.

Answer 2

If you are good at Calculus choose Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, or pre-med if you like that sort of thing (that's what I'd tell anybody).  Anthropology was a lot of fun and very interesting but it won't really help you get a job (with just a B.A.).  You could combine Anthropology with business or get an education degree and teach high school Social Studies.  If you want to be an Anthropologist/Archaeologist you must go to the PhD level and be prepared to eat lots of ramen noodles.

Answer 3

If you are really interested in anthro, get your BA and go to field school one summer.  With that, you can get a basic field archaeologist job in a CRM firm (see shovelbums.org or archaeologyfieldwork.com for job listings).  If archaeology's the route you want to go, a couple of years shovelbumming will be good for you.  At the least, you'll come out of it being able to dig really square holes really fast.

For anything higher, you will want a master's at least.  Take some different courses as an undergrad.  Check out the museum studies classes, if they have them.  As an anthropologist, there will be a lot of fields open to you, like museum work, archaeology, historical society stuff and governmental work, and teaching.  Even if you don't stay in anthro, a degree in which you learn to study people is useful in a h**l of a lot of environments.

Answer 4

I have a BA in anthropology and I love it.  I don't use it at my job, but it's kind of like having a degree in my hobby.  I love to travel and my education in anthropology makes my travel experiences that much richer.  Instead of sticking to the safe tourist attractions, the anthropologist in me is always wanting to get beneath the surface of any place I visit.  

Sure, there aren't many good jobs you can get on the merit of a Bachelor's degree in anthro alone, but the education you receive will definitely make you a wiser, more worldly person.  Besides, the job market is about the same for all liberal arts degrees - just study what you enjoy.

Answer 5

I have a BA in Anthropology, a BA in Religion and a certificate in Native American Studies.  I teach English in Taiwan.  But then again I am a social anthropologist.  If you go into archeology there are many more job opportunities with only a BA.  I would really need to continue on to a MA and a PhD which would then likely make me an academic and a professor at a University.

Answer 6

Not much with just a BA, to really do anything you really need a PhD. You might want to think about a Major in business with a minor in anthropology, that could lead to a career in human resources. But even there at least a MA is preferred.

Answer 7

With a B.A. in Anthropology  you will have a great education. And a job waiting tables.  

However, if you want a masters, this is the best place to start.   People who study anthro are inquisitive, smart and dedicated.  All of my classmates who wanted to go on for a masters level degree were accepted immediately.  

Just make sure the school you are transferring to is well rated.