What can I do with a major in Anthropology?

Anthropology is the study of the origin and development of mankind. It attempts to provide the student with a better understanding of human physical differences, language systems, and the way cultures today compare with cultures of the past. Also included is the study of animal development and how it compares with human development. Anthropology is divided into the following sub-branches: cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and archeology.

Related occupations:
 

Possible Employers of Anthropology Majors:

Hospitals	Zoological Gardens
Journals	Private Industries
State/Federal Government	Research Laboratories
Law Enforcement Agencies	Libraries
Colleges/Universities	U.S. Park Service
Medical Services	Professional Counseling Agencies
International Agencies	Businesses and Industries
Peace Corps	Social Agencies
Banks	Museums
Law Firms	U. S. Bureau of Indian Affairs
Consulting Firms	Historical Societies
Non-profit Organizations	U.S. Bureau of Land Management

Skills Important for Anthropology Majors:

• Ability to conduct and explain scientific research clearly

• Aptitude for foreign languages

• Appreciation for and understanding of other cultures

• Patience, resourcefulness, persistence, curiosity and imagination

Related Activities Useful for Anthropology Majors:

• Do an internship.  

• Visit libraries and museums.

• Participate in historical preservation efforts.

• Take part in historical research projects.

• Participate in archeological field experiences.

• Work part-time or volunteer in antique shops, museums, anthropology departments, or non-profit organizations.

Print Resources:  

• Camerson, Blythe.  Careers for History Buffs & Others Who Learn from the Past.  VGM Career Books, (latest edition).

• Careers in Anthropology. (handout), American Anthropological Association (ask for most recent edition).

• Social Scientist. Pp. 119-121, Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Dept. of Labor, (latest edition).

• What is Anthropology?  (booklet), The Society for Medical Anthropology (ask for most recent version).

Internet Web Resources:

• Social Scientists, Other, Occupational Outlook Handbook

• International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology

• The Natural History Museum

• The Society for American Archeologists

• Southwestern Archeologists

Professional Associations:

• Anthropology Club

• American Anthropological Association

• Society for American Archaeology

• The Archaeological Institute of America

• College Majors and Careers: A Resource Guide for Effective Life Planning, Revised Edition by Paul Phifer; 1997; Garret Park; Garret Park Press.

• The Career Center at CU-Denver’s homepage: www.cudenver.edu/Student+Life/Career+Center/default.htm

• Fort Lewis College, Career Service’s homepage: http://cso.fortlewis.edu