WHAT CAN I DO WITH AN ANTHROPOLOGY DEGREE?
GETTING A JOB WITH A BA/BS
GETTING A JOB WITH A BA/BS
So, you think you want to major in Anthropology. Have you told your parents or any of your friends yet? If you have, they probably got a strange look on their faces and said: "Anthro-what?" Followed by: "What kind of a job can you get with that major?" Some people think that telling your folks is one of the most difficult parts of being an Anthro major. Actually, getting a job with a BA/BS degree might not be as tough as you think, but you have to be imaginative and creative. Anthropology is also a wide-ranging field, so employment possibilities are similarly broad. Some areas of anthropology have better prospects than others. As in other fields, the more education, training and experience you have, the better your chances of employment.
Archaeology
When this was written, the best employment possibilities in anthropology were in archaeology. In fact, a recent survey of anthropology department chairs reports that archaeology will grow faster than the other subfields. The major source of the growth will be from the impact of cultural resources management (CRM) activity caused by laws meant to protect cultural heritage. Also called "contract archaeology," CRM has actually provided summer and academic year jobs for our students for several years. Many jobs are available for BA/BS students, but they may be short term, field season jobs. Several USD grads have landed more long term employment at various locations across the country. The federal government also hires BA/BS archaeologists in CRM related work. Departments of Interior, Agriculture and Defense are the most likely to have archaeology jobs.
Key Preparation: Take Anth 431, Archaeological Field Methods as soon as possible. Most agencies will not hire without a field school and experience. You might also volunteer for archaeology lab projects to gain experience in the field and lab.
Take a look at: Frequently Asked Questions-A Career in Archaeology?
Physical Anthropology
Because physical anthropology is the most natural science oriented, it requires advanced training, usually beyond the BS level. Few jobs are available, but this does not mean they don't exist. Sometimes professors are looking for qualified research assistants on grants they have. Check with professors about what might be available.
Key Preparation: Gain computer skills, especially in statistics and database management. Take as much natural science, but especially biology and organic chemistry, as you can. A course in human anatomy could prove very useful.
Cultural Anthropology
Opportunities are somewhat better in cultural anthropology than they are in physical anthropology, but not much. Social service agencies, especially those dealing with minorities, sometimes hire BA/BS graduates. State and local governments, especially where there are large urban centers, have been good job markets. As the USA internationalizes its business, companies are expanding their search for those who understand something about other cultures and who are willing to work outside the USA. Anthropology is ideal training for that, especially if combined with other skills.
Key Preparation: Learn another language. For the southern USA, Spanish is essential, but other languages may be appropriate for other countries. The Pacific Rim is an especially good market now. Volunteer work in the social services area can also be important. Business skills, such as accounting or marketing, might be useful.
The USD Anthropology Faculty members advise a number of approaches to improve your employment chances.
1. Double major in a field to give yourself several options and training that might be desirable to an employer. Over half of USD's Anthropology majors are double majors. Good combinations are with History, Math, Biology, Social Work, Earth Sciences, and Computer Science.
2. Learn another language. We recommend the BA for that reason. Fluency, or even reasonable competency in another language, can open many doors for you.
3. Learn computer skills. At very least learn word processing and database management. If you can, become familiar with statistics and a computer package to run them. Get on the information super- highway and learn how to access data that might help your employer.
4. Be creative. One of our majors had a double major in fine arts and anthropology and became a small museum director. Starting your own business is another option.
5. Get as much experience as you can as an undergraduate. Volunteer for research projects the faculty members might have, work on Archaeology Days, volunteer at the Over Museum, be active with APES, or do anything else to gain relevant experience. More than this, good work on these activities can lead to good references from faculty members or others that may land you that job or get you into graduate school!
6. Learn special skills that others won't have: a computer program like AutoCAD for drafting or IDRISI for Geographic Information Systems; artifact illustration; surveying instruments; anything that might give you an edge.
7. Consider graduate school. Most good jobs in anthropology require at least a Master's degree. If you actually wish to teach or do research at the college or university level, a PhD is mandatory.
See the How to write a resume and Letters of Reference handbook modules for more information.