Physical Anthropology?

Question

I'm currently going back to school to complete my double major (English and Anthropology.. weird combination I know, but I love those two subjects!). Anyways, I've been seriously thinking about doing my honours in Anthropology with a specialization towards Physical Anthropology. I'm curious to know if anyone here has that specialization and what type of careers I can look for? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Physical anthropology is fun.  You can make a career of it by going into forensic anthropology.  I knew, personally, the forensic anthropologist who found the Romanov family in Russia.  Having sold text books into anthropology departments in colleges and universities in the US, I know many - they can work on contract with state and local governments to ID remains found

Answer 2

Forensics (such as CSI) is one area that a Biological (physical) Anthropologist would utilize their skeletal knowledge.  Additional areas are bioarch., genetics and evolution, fossil record (hominids), biodiversity, primatology, and human ecology.  I am sure there are more, but hey that's a good start.

I am completing my MS in Anthropology with an emphasis in Biological Anthro.  In addition to a University TA position, I am employed by a state agency to analyze osteological (bones) material that is found.  This could be forensic, disturbed graves from construction, or archeological finds.  

It is true that with only a Bachelors the job market is very limited, however as with most fields the higher education you obtain, the more opportunities.  Also a double major is always helpful ( I was Anthro & History).

As for academic jobs, you can teach with a Masters at the Junior College level, as well as some 4 year, but most require a PhD.

I would recommend researching the various areas of Bio and see what grabs you.  The links below are a great place to start.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I have that emphasis, and I work as a CSI, latent print examiner and analyst more specifically.

If you are particularly looking for a career that will utilize your PA background, you might luck out and find a job with an archaeology company or excavating company.

As is constantly said in here. The only thing an Anthropology Major is any good for is teaching Anthropology, and you can only really do that at the university level after your PhD!

Bill P above is sadly mistaken/delusional. To get a job as a forensic Anthropologist you will need a masters in Biological/physical anthro and a PhD in Forensic Anthropology. There are NOT that many jobs for the work. There are appx 700 board certified FAs in the world. Most states only have one, and I know of few major cities that would have one on staff (maybe a place like New York City). Smaller juristictions do not have the finances to hire someone of that caliber on a constant basis. Most of them are professors who moonlight at FAs.

With your English degree though, perhaps you could get an awesome job editing at National Geographic, or one of the journals! It's not physical anthro work per-se, but it will definately utilize both of your degrees!

Answer 4

"HEY" little euro-centric girl, lets explore your bold question amongest the glowing {SUN}