What is studying an anthropology like? Is it a lot of work?

Question

What are the different career prospects? what kind of internships are available and where can i find out about them?

Answer 1

There are several paths you can go on as an anthropologist. They all involve graduate work which will include a lot of course work, as well as independent research. Anthropology is divided into four subdisciplines which have their own specialties.

Cultural anthropology

Biological/Physical Anthropology

Archaeology

Linguistic Anthropology

Within each there are additional subdisciplines. For example, within Biological Anthropology there is Paleoanthropology (the study of human ancestors and how we evolved), Primatology (the study of non-human primates such as apes, monkeys, lemurs, etc.) Genetics, Forensic Anthropology, etc.  

Once you decide which type of anthopologist you want to be you will have to go to college and take as many classes within your chosen field as possible. You will need to do well in them since you will need to apply to graduate programs later, which can be very competitive. Fieldwork and a senior thesis are also important for getting into graduate school.

Most anthropologist work in Universities or other research institutions which require a PhD. This will take at least 6 years of post undergraduate work, including course work, fieldwork, as well as researching and writing your dissertation. Some archaeologist work with just a Master's degree but jobs without a PhD are very limited in most fields of anthropology, especially Biological Anthropology.

Internships involve fieldwork at different anthropologically related sites around the world, as well as in museums or independent research at your own university. Speak to your undergraduate advisor about opportunities available to you.

Answer 2

Anthropology is:

"the science that deals with the origins, physical and cultural development, biological characteristics, and social customs and beliefs of humankind"

So of course it's hard work: look how many big words there are!

'Yahoo! Answers' isn't so well designed if you're seeking serious answers.  They should make a 'serious' version perhaps, called 'Serious! Answers'.

Answer 3

If you're thinking of a career in anthropology, realistically you must plan on getting a doctorate (Ph.D.) in that field. Anthropology, like psychology, is a field in which a bachelor's or master's degree by itself is worthless professionally. And the number of nonteaching jobs in anthropology that come open each year is quite small. That said, the study of anthropology in itself is of tremendous value in forming a rounded, well educated individual. I am of the opinion that a course in cultural anthropology should be required of all college freshmen anywhere in the country -- and no, I am not an anthropologist and did not major in that discipline. But especially in this country, which like all others is ethnocentric, it is extremely important to have an insight into the customs and world-views of other cultures...