What can you do with an anthropology degree?

Earning an anthropology degree can lead to a career in a variety of fields. Students who earn a degree in this subject often learn essential skills in research, writing and critical thinking that have diverse applications in various industries. Here are some fields in which anthropology graduates may work with considerations for job titles:

Education and research

Anthropology graduates can work in higher education as instructors and researchers. Universities and colleges typically employ them as social scientists who conduct independent research projects, write and publish their findings, present their work at conferences and teach college classes. However, working for a university typically requires a postgraduate degree. Therefore, those looking to become a professor of anthropology can expect to pursue a doctorate in their field.For those who wish to work in education but don’t want to earn a doctorate, anthropology graduates may find teaching opportunities in history, social studies, the natural sciences or even English at the grade school level. Some job titles for anthropologists in education include:

• Professor of anthropology
• Anthropologist
• Archeologist
• Ethnologist
• History teacher
• Science teacher
• English teacher

Health care

Since anthropology graduates learn skills in research, biology and writing, they may find career opportunities in the health care field. They might apply their skills to research public health care policies, work in medical research, become health consultants or find jobs as data analysts. For anthropology graduates hoping to enter the medical field, taking internship opportunities, working as a research assistant or enrolling in classes related to health care can help them gain knowledge and skills in the medical industry. Some job titles for anthropology students in health care include:

• Public health policy analyst
• Health care administrator
• Health services director
• Medical researcher
• Data analyst

Museum curation

Beyond academic institutions, anthropologists often work for museums. Those who work for museums perform a variety of responsibilities that can include research, restoring and preserving artifacts, designing displays, curating materials, developing promotional materials and working with the public. As public educators, they might produce educational items, run programs and events, lead tours and answer visitor questions about exhibits. Many of those working in museums hold professional degrees, such as a master’s in museum anthropology. Some job titles for anthropologists in museums include:

• Curatorial assistant
• Exhibition coordinator
• Museum administrator
• Museum educator
• Museum technician

Social work

Some anthropology graduates find rewarding careers in social work. Since anthropologists study cultures, social issues and human behaviors, they can apply their knowledge to assist people by providing social services. For example, an anthropology graduate can use their knowledge of diverse cultures to understand the perspectives of clients from various backgrounds, form meaningful connections and identify culturally relevant services to help them. Additionally, understanding human behaviors can help anthropologists provide counseling services to clients. To become a social worker, anthropology graduates can pursue a master’s in social work or complete a relevant certificate program. Social work job titles include:

• Medical social worker
• Licensed clinical social worker
• Mental health social worker
• Child and family social worker

Organizational psychology

In the business sector, anthropologists can work as organizational psychologists. An organizational psychologist is a professional who consults with businesses to improve their workplace culture and increase productivity, retain employees, optimize workflows and create effective human resources policies. A degree in anthropology can help organizational psychologists understand diverse cultures and create workplaces that welcome and include people from different backgrounds. To become an organizational psychologist, anthropology students may consider obtaining a psychology minor or pursuing a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology. Job titles for organizational psychologists include:

• Organizational psychologist
• Human resources manager
• Workforce insights analyst
• Business development consultant
• Executive coach

Marketing

Anthropology graduates may also consider a career in marketing. Their research skills and knowledge of different cultures can help them study target markets and develop products or promotions that appeal to people of different backgrounds. Most industries rely on effective marketing to attract and retain customers and clients. To work in marketing, anthropology students might consider taking classes in business and marketing along with their anthropology coursework. Some marketing jobs include:

• Marketing assistant
• Marketing coordinator
• Brand ambassador
• Copywriter
• Public relations specialist
• Director of marketing

Forensics

Professionals interested in criminology and forensic science may earn a degree in anthropology to pursue a career in forensic anthropology. They can contribute to academic research or criminal investigations and use their understanding of anthropology and human anatomy to gather and analyze human remains. These professionals may collaborate with other social scientists at archaeological digs or assist law enforcement organizations by working at crime scenes and a lab. They may also testify in court and discuss their findings in front of a jury. Students who specialize in forensic anthropology may pursue a career as a:

• Forensic anthropologist
• Identification specialist
• Medicolegal death investigator