Anthropology Major

• What is Anthropology?
• What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?
• What Kinds of Students Major in Anthropology?
• What Courses Do Anthropology Majors Take?
• List of Anthropology Jobs
• What is the Median Salary Range for Anthropology Careers?
• College and University Departments to Consider

What is Anthropology?

Anthropology is concerned with the study of humanity as a part of the natural world, and of culture that developed to cope with that world. Anthropologists have dealt largely with prehistoric and primitive or simple societies and cultures in an effort to arrive at an understanding of universal cultural laws. Increasingly, anthropologists are applying basic concepts to the study of modern, complex societies. This major is so diverse that it has been divided into four categories by many universities. Socio-cultural anthropology is the study of people who are alive today and how they are different and similar in their cultural and social practices. Biological anthropology is the study of biological diversity, in particular, primate research and the application of the theory of evolution. Linguistic anthropology is the study of the variety of human languages. Archeology is the study of past cultures based on their material remains.

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What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?

Various specializations related to a major in Anthropology may be offered by colleges and universities. These specializations may be of greater or lesser interest to you. A few of these specializations related to this field include, but are not limited to:

Ethno-Mathematics	African-American Studies
Anthropology	Applied Anthropology
Archeology	Cultural and Social Anthropology
Environmental Studies	Latin-American Studies
Linguistic Anthropology	Museum Studies
Native American/ Alaskan Studies	Physical and Biological Anthropology
Women's Studies

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What Kinds of Students Major in Anthropology?

Anthropology majors have a variety of personal characteristics including: inquisitiveness, social self-confidence, idealism, adventurousness, enthusiasm, and persuasiveness. They are analytical and observant. This student may like to make decisions, participate in meetings, and explore new ideas. An interest in people and their behaviors is essential.

Is Anthropology the right major for you?
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What Courses Do Anthropology Majors Take?

The required and elective courses you would take for Anthropology majors vary considerably among institutions. Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth of topics you are likely to experience were you to major in this field.

Biology	Evolution
Cultural Anthropology	Ethnicity and Identity
Gender Experiences	Human Behavioral
Legal Anthropology	Medical Anthropology
Peoples and Cultures of Africa	Power and Society in the Middle East
Southeast Asia: Tradition and Development	Turkey & Middle East Perspective
Urban Anthropology	Women and Men: Cultural Expectations
World Politics - Hinduism and Globalization

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List of Potential Jobs in Anthropology

These professions and professional organizations illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly related to employment than others, however. You should consider the likelihood of employment after graduation carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you should determine what the prospects are for this or any major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment in second major or in a minor.

Archeologist	Bilingual Educator
Documentary Film Making	Environmental & Social Impact Assessment
Genetics Counselor	Government
Historical Archeology	Historical Preservation
Information Researcher	International Business
International Law	Librarian
Marketing	Publishing Director

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What is the Median Salary Range for Anthropology Careers?

U.S. Median Salary(starting):$37,600

U.S. Median Salary(mid-career):$63,200

Note: These numbers are national averages so you could make more or less than these amounts. Actual expected salaries will vary depending on your chosen career path, experience, and even your geographic location. Are you interested in detailed information about the forecasted demand for a particular profession? Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you to search on a particular job, whether listed here or not, to give you this information.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Colleges and Universities offering majors in Anthropology

MyMajors complete list has 497 schools in the USA with a major in Anthropology.
-View the national listing!

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For information on options available to campuses wishing to see their programs listed on MyMajors, contact for details.