What is Anthropology?
Anthropology is the study of human behavior and multicultural
diversity. That exploration of what it means to be human ranges
from the study of culture and social relations, to human biology
and evolution, to languages, to music, art and architecture, and to
vestiges of human habitation. It considers such fascinating
questions as how peoples' behavior changes over time, why and how
people from distant parts of the world and dissimilar cultures are
different and the same, and how the human species has evolved over
millions of years.
Anthropology includes four broad fieldscultural anthropology,
linguistics, physical anthropology and archaeology. Each of the
four fields teaches distinctive skills, such as applying theories,
employing research methodologies, formulating and testing
hypotheses, developing extensive sets of data, and celebrating
diversity. Anthropologists often specialize in one or more
geographic areas of the worldfrom Australia to Zaire
What Does Anthropology Teach That Is
Useful Outside the College Setting?
Whatever the topic of research, anthropologists share a holistic
and cross-cultural vision. This requires using a repertoire of
methods in order to forge a deeper understanding of any situation.
This perspective is one for which the profession is valued. While
the job market for academic anthropologists is relatively steady,
demand for anthropologists is increasing in other areas, stimulated
by a growing need for analysts and researchers with sharp thinking
skills who can manage, evaluate, and interpret the large volume of
data on human behavior. The extent of occupational flexibility
reflects the emphasis on breadth, diversity, and independence of
thought. What we know about the future marketplace indicates the
type of global, holistic knowledge which an anthropological
perspective brings.
Anthropological study provides training particularly well-suited
to the 21st century. The economy will be increasingly
international; workforces and markets increasingly diverse;
participatory management and decision making, increasingly
important; intercultural communication skills, increasingly in
demand. Anthropology as a course of study provides global
information and thinking skills critical to succeeding in the 21st
century in business, research teaching, advocacy, and public
service.
What Options does an Undergraduate
Anthropology Major/Minor Have after the Bachelor's
Degree?
There are many career and educational options for anthropology
majors/minors. B.A. level graduates find multiple careers in
applying an anthropological perspective. Further study in graduate
or professional schools are common paths for anthropology
undergraduate major/minors. Anthropology provides a strong basis
for subsequent graduate level education and training in
international law, public health, social work and multiple areas in
and out of the social sciences. Additional anthropological study
can also lead to a traditional career of teaching and research in
numerous departments, or as an applied anthropologist in both the
public and private sectors.
What Job Opportunities Will Anthropology
Afford the New Graduate?
Anthropology offers many lucrative applications of
anthropological knowledge in a variety of occupational settings, in
both the public and private sectors. Non-governmental
organizations, such as international health organizations employ
anthropologists to help design and implement a wide variety of
programs, worldwide and nationwide. State and local governmental
organizations use anthropologists in planning, research and
managerial capacities. Many corporations look explicitly for
anthropologists, recognizing the utility of their perspective on a
corporate team. Anthropologists also fill the range of career
niches occupied by other social scientists in corporations,
government, nonprofit corporations, and various trade and business
settings. Anthropologists' unique training and perspective will
enable them to compete successfully for these jobs on into the 21st
century.
For More Information on Careers and
training in Anthropology Please Contact:
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology, St. John's Hall,
Room 444D, X5662
The American Anthropological Association's homepage: http://www.ameranthassn.org