A Career in Anthropology:

Whether you want to study archaeology, prehistoric Native Americans, the health of ancient peoples,  the customs of cultures around the world or ethnic groups right here at home, the first step is to pursue a bachelors degree in Anthropology.  Such a background can prepare you for a career in law, medicine, social services, primary or secondary education, international studies or foreign service, to name just a few. 

To become a professional anthropologist, however, it is usually necessary to obtain a graduate degree (MA or PhD).  This additional training requires 2 years of course work in a graduate program to obtain a Master's degree and 3-4 years of additional training for a PhD.  With a Master's degree numerous career opportunities are available.

The field of archaeology is rapidly expanding because of federal and state laws that protect cultural resources. Archaeologists are hired by state and federal agencies, universities, museums, and, perhaps in the most rapidly expanding area, the private sector. Environmental and cultural resource firms, some of which are nationally and even internationally based, are the principal employer of archaeologists today. Bioanthropologists are hired as forensic experts and as university faculty.  Cultural Anthropologists find employment in private industry, universities, museums, and government and private agencies involved in domestic and international aid and development (e.g., World Bank or State Department).

What kind of salaries can an anthropologist expect?  Starting salaries vary, but are in the range of $20,000 to $35,000.  In the course of normal career advancement one can expect to make in the range of $60,000 or more.  In the private sector profit sharing is common.