What can I do with a masters in Anthropology but no PhD?

Question

What can I do with a masters in Anthropology but no PhD?

Answer 1

You could be Indiana Jones's personal assistant. Isn't that great ?

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Answer 2

Data entry.

Answer 3

Not very practical.  Unless you are going to teach the degree qualifies you to sell perfume in a department store.

Answer 4

I have a master's in anthropology and I work in GIS and archaeological research.  There are actually more opportunities afforded to those with MA's in anthropology than people with PhD's because PhD's are considered overqualified for most positions.  It really just depends on what subfield you focused on and what was the subject of your thesis as to what you can do with your MA.

BTW, CRM work is actually rewarding.  The archaeological sites are going to be destroyed no matter what happens.  Section 106 does not stop a project, it is only used for mitigation.  With CRM you get to help determine the archaeological record and preserve the artifacts that are associated with sites rather than just have them bulldozed out of existence.

Answer 5

To be honest, Anthropology is kind of a "specialty" discipline that has been, and remains, largely centered around University-based teaching and research. that being said, there are a few things you can do with an MA in anthropology. Most obviously, you can teach at a 2 year college. If you have studied archaeology as a sub discipline, you can also rise to the very top of the ladder in a private sector Cultural Resources Management firm. Beyond those two obvious things, many master's programs are now being offered in anthropology departments with additional certificates in Museum studies, or offer cross listed MA's with international studies or medicne. These types of programs will offer additional avenues for careers in museums, NGO's, etc. Many of the people I know from my many years of studying anthropology actually have not actually gone on to be anthropologists per se, but they all have been really grateful for the type of education they gained by studying anthropology. After all, anthropology is "the sudy of Us", and what profession can you think of that doesn't fit under that?

Answer 6

If it is in applied anthropology maybe there is something, otherwise you can go for your doctorate.

Answer 7

Isaac U's answer was very good, but I don't recommend going into CRM. The pay is poor and the work is hard, and if you have any ethics or care about preserving the archaeological record you will hate yourself for being involved in it.

Answer 8

You can do anything and work for anyone because you are now a Jack of all Trades. . . .but for real, you can do field work and actually help in leading field teams, work in research and collections/ restoration at a museum, cultural resource management is another good field to get into an there is places in the private as well as the public sector for this sort of thing. You can write books, you can create your own lecture series, you can work in human resources for large corporations. Use you imagination. There's lots of things you can do other than teach. It's up to the anthropologist to evolve and to find a way. Good Luck!

Answer 9

I don't know about that but if you become a doctor (MD) you don't need a Masters just a Bachelors, example: BS in PA Studies or Biology and then go to medical school 4 yrs later your a Phd equivilent, MD.

Answer 10

I feel personally compelled to answer this question as I have my MA in Anthropology with no PhD...maybe someday, but for now, I'm not going for one.

You would have to know what you want to do before you go for your MA, that's for sure (and that really goes for any advanced degree).  My concentration is Anthropology as it applies to International Development - reducing poverty, increasing education, the whole lot -- through the study of culture.

It's a tough way in, but I love it and feel that it is super important to be taking cultural context into policy programs.  I'm just now getting into the non-profit, NGO world.  Many of my MA classmates are working in Migration Thinktanks, Development Banks and organizations that are helping those in need.  You can go into any area you see fit -- disaster relief, gender/women's issues, human trafficking, etc.  Everything is affected by culture and Culture is affected by everything.  I even interned at the United Nations Secretariat between my 2 years at GWU.

In the meantime, feel free to contact me if you need any help.