Degree in Anthropology?

Question

What exactly can I do with a degree in Anthropology? I leave for college next year and my plan is to major in Anthro and minor in a language (probably French) and eventually get a PhD. But what can I do with this?

I'm really interested in European culture as well as tribes from places like the amazon and Papua New Guinea. I like to travel also.

I hope that's enough information.

Thanks.

Answer 1

DON'T DO IT! That's my advice to anyone who asks the question. It's a field that you have to love 100% to make it anywhere. Most people who start out as anthropology majors end up going into something else. Some really REALLY love the field and the jobs that they get. For me, I love it, but it can be very frustrating sometimes too. Job prospects in anthropology are very poor. I'm about to graduate and I'm looking at jobs in the CRM field (which is probably what most people go into immediately after graduation) that pay about the same as the kid who lives down my street and delivers pizza's for domino's. Extremely under-paid in my opinion, especially when you consider that any job in the field requires at least a four year degree, some amount of specialized knowledge, and it's HARD work too. Even with a PhD your job opportunities in the field will be more limited than you think. I've seen this from my own department head and other professors who have no shortage about financial and job related complaints (when you get to know them personally). You will not travel as much as you may expect to. You'll likely get jobs in various places around the country, but usually it's not any place exciting. The only people I know who have worked overseas had at least a master's degree, so don't expect to do that until your at least in grad school.

Here's another head's up, European culture studies are generally looked down upon (here in the US) from what I've witnessed. This is another thing that bugs me about anthropology... anthropologists. I know there are some on this board and I'm being insulting, but as a general rule anthropologists are so thick headed they won't listen anyway. Talk about the most condescending pseudo-intellectuals you've ever met in your entire life! I was also interested in early European culture when I started studying and was told by several different people in no uncertain terms that's either "out-dated anthropology" or "that's not real archaeology". They'll know everything about any topic you can ever think of. Any book you've ever read, they have too, twice. Other things I can think of to describe anthropologists would be overly competitive for their 12 per hour jobs and DRAMA queens.

If your really interested in international travel, study international relations and get a job in the foreign service. I swear to God, I'm one more sophomoric field crew away from doing the exact same thing with my MA.

Answer 2

You can travel the world.  Is there anything better than that?

Answer 3

I got a degree in Anthropology back in 1984 (with a double major in American Indian Studies).  Then got my teaching license and taught at a Tribal School on an Indian Reservation for 20 years.  

My son is currently majoring in Anthropology and Zoology and is currently applying to graduate schools (planning on getting a PhD.)  He learned a lesson from me:  Without an advance degree, your choices are limited.  Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed teaching.  But if I would have an advanced degree I could have done so much more.

Answer 4

You can work in an ethnic restaurant ;-)  Just kidding.  

Many anthropology majors do nonprofit work, work in other countries, education, or even work in the corporate world for awhile.  Follow what you like to do, because your undergraduate major isn't as important as you might think- its what you do with it!

Answer 5

After getting my BA in Anthropology, I worked in Cultural Resource Management archaeology for awhile. I ended up getting a job at a natural history museum as the Anthropology Specialist. After a few years I went on to grad school.

The people I went to school with did lots of different things. Some went into education, both formal and informal, some went into government service, a lot started at various non-profits - domestic abuse and homeless shelters, museums, human rights organizations, some went into business (anthro majors are known for good people skills). A lot went straight into grad school with the intention of going into academia.

One of the things with Anthropology is that because it doesn't actually train you to do something, you often have to defend your choice and sell yourself afterwards. But if you plan to go to grad school afterwards, you will open a few more doors for yourself.

Good luck and I hope this helps. Let me know if you have anymore questions!

Answer 6

There are many things you can do with a degree in Anthropology.  There are four areas that you specialize in.  If you chose to go into Cultural... You could teach, give tours of specific areas, or research.  If you go into Biological... teach and research.  Liguistics. the study of language ....  Archeology  study of past history  work for non profit, museums, teach, research.... etc.  With all areas you can still take any position in the social services field. However in any major you decide to do, higher education is always best.  It puts you in a better position to get the more prestigious position and not have to take the lower totem pole position.  good luck to you.