What are the benefits of getting a degree in anthropology?

Question

I'm interested. In fact, more than interested.

But if I do major in anthropology, what can I do with it in later life?

Besides write books or become a teacher?

Or dig up sites.

I read somewhere that you can do something medical related as well, but how?

Answer 1

Among other things it qualifies you to explain why there are still apes.

Answer 2

When I was younger the joke was the hardest thing about getting a degree in anthropology was telling your parents... but really, I too always thought it would be the coolest of jobs. I went to my search engine and typed in that question, here are just a few of the links that came up. Go for it, especially if you're young, you have a lifetime to reach your dreams.

http://www.usd.edu/anth/handbook/hbjob.h...

http://www.nku.edu/~anthro/anthropology_...

http://www.pdx.edu/careers/majoranthropo...

http://money.cnn.com/2000/11/17/career/q...

Answer 3

You get read Joseph Campbell and find out why "life eats life."

Answer 4

if you get the channel fox, watch the show BONES monday at 8 p.m. EST. the show focuses on a forensic anthropologist solving years old murders in collaboration  with the fbi. its really good.

Answer 5

Well, what's the benefit of getting a degree in any subject. You end up being a teacher or a banker or a civil servant!

Answer 6

Probably no benefit if you think of it in terms of money.  I have a degree in English Literature and took a lot of anthropology - and I'm a carpenter.  Never made a dollar off of English Literature.  But it's been a good life - and a little education allowed me to think of something of importance rather than the junk that seems to consume people generally.

Perhaps that's all you get - you're more interesting to yourself.  AND if you can write a book (Like "Guns, Germs and Steel") then that's great.  But chances are you won't.  

But in some small way you'll be able to share in the intelligent life on this planet and fight back the dark forces of fascism, stupidity, hate and racism.  You'll be your own Super Hero.

Answer 7

I'm studying anthropology,

Its a really important subject that helps cultures understand one another. Most peopel think of anthropology as studying unique tribes or digging up old bones .. .. I'm sure Indiana Jones comes to mind! which certainly some of it is; however,

Anthropology is very much a modern field, and as the world continues to globalise, it is important that there are people who work to understand cultural differences and mediate between them.

Its very much like studying history - but applying logic and critical thinking and problem solving. It teaches you to think, and consider things from multiple perspectives.

I'm not sure what I plan to do after I graduate (which will be soon) but I feel like I can do just about anything.

With a degree in anthropology you will have learned how to research, write, observe, and analyze  - skills useful in countless jobs.

Once you're working on your degree you can also specialize in something within the field that you are more interested in, be it cultural, physical, linguistic, or archeological.