Overview of Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of humans and their culture, society, language, evolution, behavior, beliefs, and physical characteristics. It is a scientific field of study and traditionally includes four sub-fields: biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, archaeology, and linguistic anthropology. Anthropology draws on knowledge from areas such as psychology, history, economics, art, and biology, making it an integrative, interdisciplinary field.

Career Opportunities Associated with Anthropology

Anthropology graduates pursue a variety of professional and academic paths. Professionally, they may work in fields such as health care, law, museums, and government services. Academically, anthropology graduates may choose to pursue advanced degrees in anthropology, archaeology, history, cultural or social studies, and other related subjects.

Internship or Co-op Opportunities Related to Anthropology

There are many internship and co-op opportunities available to anthropology students. Examples of such programs include the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates, National Museum of Natural History Visiting Student Research Program, and the Smithsonian Institution Intern Program. Additionally, many universities offer internships through their anthropology departments.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within Anthropology

Many universities offer individualized courses and paths within the anthropology field. Examples of such concentrations include medical anthropology, linguistic anthropology, forensic anthropology, and cultural anthropology. Additionally, many universities offer the option to specialize in one of the four sub-fields within anthropology. This allows students to focus in the area that interests them most.

How Anthropology Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education

Anthropology students gain skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, analysis, research skills, knowledge of different cultures, and excellent communications skills. These skills are invaluable for graduate school and further education. Furthermore, anthropology’s emphasis on diversifying knowledge in a variety of subject areas allows students to gain a broad perspective that is relevant to many graduate schools.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Anthropology

Artificial intelligence has had a significant impact on anthropology. With the emergence of new technologies such as virtual assistants, the field of linguistics has had to adjust its methods to explore how humans understand them. Additionally, anthropology has had to adjust to the changing ways in which humans interact with technology and use it to shape their culture.

The Career Outlook for Anthropology

The job outlook for anthropology is very promising. There is expected to be significant growth in the available jobs in the field, with many positions in the public and private sectors for those with qualifications in anthropology. Additionally, more and more universities and other organizations are recognizing the value of having anthropologists on their staff.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Anthropology:

Dartmouth College, Salary: $44,153

George Washington University, Salary: $36,176

University of Louisville, Salary: $34,929

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, Salary: $34,459

San Francisco State University, Salary: $34,390

Sonoma State University, Salary: $32,634

Monmouth University, Salary: $32,481

Millersville University of Pennsylvania, Salary: $32,083

James Madison University, Salary: $32,082

Hamline University, Salary: $31,770

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Anthropology.