I want to go to Graduate for Anthropology, but i have a degree in Liberal Studies, does this matter?

Question

I want to know what extra steps i have to take to make myself a eligiable candidate for Anthropology grad programs so that i can compete with applicants that have an anthropology degree.

Answer 1

Nope, if you get a chauffeurs license the cab company won't even ask about your undergraduate degree.

Okay, bad joke, but I have an anthropology degree and I feel your pain.  

Check with your college - I was admitted to an MBA program without any undergraduate business classes.  If you scored well enough on your boards you should be considered.

If the school you want to go to will not consider you w/o an anthro degree, you should be able to get a second undergraduate degree at your old college easily.

If you want to teach high school, you really need to go back, obtain sufficient science classes to combine with anthro and be eligible to teach science.  I went the social studies path and it may have been the biggest mistake of my life.

Answer 2

Cultural? Nothing!

Biological and other more scientific branches? Biology, chemistry, genetics and math. Not as much as you would need for science and you may have some of the requirements, being liberal arts.

Answer 3

Assuming you're talking sociocultural anthropology (not archaeology or biological anthropology) I wouldn't worry much about your undergraduate degree.  

But if you want to make yourself a more compelling applicant for an anthropology program, I can definitely recommend spending significant time abroad.  Language skills are also helpful.  

If spending time overseas is not a viable option, you can make yourself a stronger candidate by showing the initiative to work in some anthropologically relevant area at home.  In the U.S. there is museum work, cultural heritage work, and a good amount of volunteer as well as internship positions available for organizations that would help you get started thinking about issues relevant to a graduate program in anthropology.  Anthropology is a very broad discipline, so there is always something you can do before applying to demonstrate your seriousness and interest in the area.