Why Study Anthropology

Almost every job, from selling cars to going to the moon, involves dealing with people. Anthropologists study people. Dealing successfully with people, whether they are customers, constituents, clients or partners, requires social knowledge. Anthropologists study people and are experts at capturing that social knowledge, providing the information that is essential for getting the job done successfully. 

Here’s how anthropologists turn that social knowledge into action: 

1. They help people figure out what the key questions in any situation are. 
2. They use investigative methods to find the answers to those questions. 
3. They use this information to help plan effective responses. 

In other words, anthropologists help people and organizations get things done by using: 

A set of skills in data collection, analysis, interpretation, problem solving, and implementation 

A knowledge base centered on how anthropologists approach and solve problems

An anthropological perspective which includes an appreciation for qualitative as well as quantitative data, a holistic approach which incorporates insider viewpoints, and an emphasis on the cultural context to build understanding.

Business: advertising, communications, human resources, management consulting, user experience, organizational development, product design, technology, training, and many more.  

Research and/or Consulting Firms: quantitative and qualitative research, project management, community engagement, and more. 

Nonprofit Organizations: administration, advocacy, social services, grant writing and fundraising, community development, and program management in the arts, human rights, social justice, environmental conservation, and many other areas. 

Museums and Cultural Institutions: exhibit curation, artifact preservation and restoration, education, archival research, and more. 

Archaeology and Cultural Resource Management Consulting Firms: excavate, assess, and mitigate the impact of construction and development projects on archaeological sites or resources, and work with Tribal and descendant communities to preserve their heritage. 

International and Nongovernmental Organizations: addressing issues of cross-cultural understanding, policy implementation, and global challenges like climate change. 

Universities and Research Institutions: administration, academic research, teaching, and resources and support services. 

Government Agencies: policy analysis, development, and implementation, project management, resource management, and community development. 

Healthcare and Public Health: administration, communications, community health, mixed methods research, behavioral health, emergency preparedness, program evaluation, and more. 

Media and Publishing: content and marketing strategy, social media management, journalism, video production, copy writing and editing. 

Forensics: human remains identification for law enforcement or in disaster situations, forensic archaeology, and many other areas.

An Associate’s degree is an introduction to key anthropological concepts which are useful in understanding cultural differences in organizations and communities. 

A Bachelor’s degree in anthropology opens up interesting jobs in a wide variety of areas, using skills in data collection, analysis, and planning. 

A Master’s degree is a professional degree for many anthropologists, who then go on to advance in a variety of careers in industry, government, or the non-profit sector. 

A PhD in anthropology leads to a variety of specialized roles, often focused on research. It is also an entry-level qualification for becoming an academic.