What good is an anthropology major?

Question

I want to either major or minor in anthropology at college. However, my parents are concerned that I won't get a job. I know you can teach anthropology, but what are some other occupations that I could pursue?

Answer 1

Anthropology isn't for everyone.  If your interested in it then it shouldn't matter what the job opportunities are because you will make it work, if your interest is genuine.

What you do need to know is that Anthropology is changing and becoming more scientific and in recent years has been moving away from touchy feely ethnographies and more towards a physical analysis of people.  There is a 50 percent fail rate for people who get into Anthropology and of the many millions of dollars the U.S. government puts aside for social sciences to use in the form of grants and what not, less than 1 percent of that money ends up in the hands of Anthropologists.  This makes Anthropology extremely competitive.  Anthropology is also known for it's infighting.  Anthropologists argue with other Anthropologists very ferociously.  Keep these things in mind if you decide to pursue this path.

The job options for Anthropologists are very rich.  You can get into CRM (Cultural Resource Management) at the state level, so when they want to build a new road or something they call you out to prospect the area for any archaeological significance.  You can teach and simultaneously conduct your own research at the university.  You can also curate a museum.  If you are interested in physical anthropology then you can get into forensics.

There are alot of options depending on what you want to specialize in.  But also keep in mind that you cannot do anything in Anthropology without a Masters degree and preferably you want to get a Ph D.

Answer 2

You could do research and stuff.

Answer 3

Anthropolgy allows you to see humans in a different perspective.You become more aware of the human body and why we do certain things. and as dfar as getting a job, if you're good at it you will find a job.

Answer 4

Anthropology is intellectually rewarding and a fun major.  I have an undergrad anthro major; I worked very hard and enjoyed every minute of it.

Teaching anthropology will require a doctorate and perhaps post doc work.  It is long and arduous, and not for everyone.

If you want to teach high school, go for it.  Don't make the mistake I made.  I minored in liberal arts: huge mistake.  Minor, better yet, dual major, in a hard science.  If I could do it again I would get certified to teach biology and the sciences, not history and the social sciences.  The job market is more robust in the sciences.

BTW, I'm now an MBA/CPA and work for a financial institution; but, I miss teaching and might still be at it if I had a science background.

Answer 5

An anthropology major or minor is excellent preparation for law school, social work school, and, if your interests are in physical anthropology it can easily be combined with pre-med courses. Many anthropology majors find jobs in the civil service, and business firms are increasingly hiring anthropologists to evaluate either their firms' cultures or the ways in which consumers interact with their products. Intel, for example, has employed anthropologists to study the ways in which people use their computers. The web site of the American Anthropological Association http://www.aaanet.org has links to information about careers in anthropology. And if you're good, and you really love the field, there are still jobs to be had for university professors.