Careers
in Anthropology
A
degree in Anthropology will prepare you for working with people, regardless
of the specific career. It may be a stepping stone to higher degrees
and/or careers in law school, medicine, or education; it may serve as a final
degree in human biology or behavior, or, it may be preparation for graduate
school in anthropology. Regardless, a background with a strength in
human cultural and biological diversity is a gateway to a variety of careers.
A recent study of students graduating with a BA in Anthropology from a major
eastern university found careers in a variety of disciplines (sales, public
health, teaching K-12, law, marketing, social work, school administration,
small business, medicine, family counseling) (Omohundro,
2001). Some of these individuals went on to higher degrees in other
fields, others found careers after having completed their BA.
About 75% of Anthropologists
with PhDs and some with Master of Arts degrees are teaching in colleges and universities (Omohundro, 2001). Many of those employed
in academia also conduct research, often in foreign countries, but also
in the U.S. (in cities, zoos, etc.). Since the 1980's employment in the non-academic
sector has improved in volume and diversity with anthropologists employed
in government positions (about 14%: such as the FBI, CIA, and EPA, and federally
funded museums like the Smithsonian Institution), non-governmental positions
(about 11%: for example conservation organizations – World Wildlife Fund,
Conservation International, Nature Conservancy, international relief organizations,
the United Nations) and for-profit organizations (about 25%, for example, in state
or county museums, zoos, coroner’s offices, contract archaeology companies,
and self-employed consultants). Employment opportunities for MA professionals in archaeology are substantially greater than for the other subfields because of the greater opportunities for employment in the private sector. |
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refer to:
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Omohundro,
John T. 2001 Careers in Anthropology, 2nd
edition, Mayfield Press [available in the Anthropology Office, 224
Lowry Hall].
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Wadsworth's
Anthropology Resource Center: http://www.wadsworth.com/anthropology_d/
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