Academic Advising
in the College of Arts & Science
What Can I Do With a Major in Anthropology?
Anthropology is uniquely the holistic science of humanity. It is the study of people — their origins, adaptations and ecology, distribution, customs, languages, and social and religious beliefs. Anthropological studies range from human genetics to personality and society, the prehistoric past to the present, preliterate tribes to modern industrial urbanites, the customs of ancient civilizations to the beliefs of folk peoples today. Anthropologists explore human evolution, reconstruct societies and civilizations of the past, and analyze the cultures and languages of modern peoples. Anthropology is the study of all aspects of humanity at all times.
The curriculum in anthropology introduces students to the major areas including biological anthropology, archaeology, linguistic anthropology, socio-cultural anthropology and applied anthropology, along with course work in other related areas. Due to the flexible requirements, anthropology lends itself to a double major or a major with teaching certification. Additionally, students in other majors can choose to minor in anthropology.
Interests
A desire to study the biological and cultural aspects of human development and behavior, with an appreciation of existing cultural differences, grounds the discipline of anthropology. Through the comparative study of humanity's long and complex development from its origins to the present, a dedication to becoming aware of our place in nature — who we are, where we come from, and how we understand the diversities as well as the similarities in being humans, anthropology seeks to understand all dimensions of the human experience.
Competencies
- Human Relations
- Cross-cultural understanding
Leading/participating with groups
Perception of different ways of life
Understanding individuals' reactions within a society over time
Assessing people's needs
Interviewing and uncovering important data
Surveying and sampling
Knowledge of ethnic origins & history - Investigative
- Observing people/data/things
Organizing ideas/materials/objects/people
Analyzing relationships between factors
Evaluating
Sampling - Project Development
- Planning and designing projects
Maintaining records and tabulating data
Summarizing and presenting results through written and spoken media
Developing/generating research ideas - Scientific
- Laboratory skills
Dating artifacts and fossils
Researching origins and uses of artifacts
Examining development over time
Providing information about the chain of development (human/animal/cultural)
Investigating and revealing the nature of the past
Assessing present genetic diversity through evolutionary history
Expanding knowledge of primate behavior, biology and diversity - Cultural
- Gathering information
Conducting field studies
Sampling and surveying
Data collection and comparison
Analyzing and comparing cultures
Examining archeological remains, settlements, tools, pottery
Opportunities - Careers
- Historical/Intercultural
- Museum curator/researcher
Geneologist
U.N. research worker
International relief representative
Salvage archeologist
Collections assistant
Heritage conservationist
Natural landmarks officer
Historic preservationist
Librarian
Natural resource ethnography - Communications
- Linguist
Technical writer
Newspaper columnist
Educational television researcher
Biographical writer
Scientific/technical writer
Reporter
International affairs correspondent
Ethnographic photographer - Government
- Urban planner
Archivist
Resource specialist
Classical anthropologist
Historical archeologist
Artifact conservator
Cultural affairs officer
Diplomatic service representative
Consumer researcher
Immigration official/adviser
Urban renewalist
Child care worker
Foreign service officer - Research
- Environmental researcher
Interviewer
Highway safety researcher
Population planning assistant
Ethnologist
Geneticist
Zoologist
Paleontologist
Occupational safety researcher
Foreign market researcher
Conservation - Business/Industry
- Public relations representative
Public opinion pollster
Sales campaign planner
Insurance underwriter
Travel agent or tour guide
Sales/marketing representative
International hotel manager
Bank manager
Consultant cross cultural relations
Personnel worker - Human Services
- Urban social planner
Anthropological linguist
Rural development worker
Ethnic groups special concerns advocate
International development administrator
Inter-cultural educator, Peace Corps, VISTA, UNESCO, FAO
Academic adviser
Fund raiser
Medical anthropologist
Grant writer
Affirmative action officer
Mental health worker
Foundation worker
Psychological anthropologist
Health care worker
Public health worker
Note: Some of the listed career options may require additional education and/or training beyond the bachelor's degree.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
Anthropology provides a diverse background important for students planning to continue their studies in the sciences or the humanities, and for those planning to enter professions in law, medicine, community planning and development, and governmental and social services.
Opportunities - Experiential
Summer, volunteer, or part time work in human services, governmental agencies, or businesses; involvement with the research laboratories in archeology and biological anthropology, training in ethnography, museology, archaeology, and primatology, and membership in student organizations such as the Society for the Enhancement of Anthropology at Miami (SEAM).
Sources of Additional Information
- Department of Anthropology (164 Upham Hall, 529-8399)
- * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Student Counseling Service (195 Health Services Center, 529-4634)
- * Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - Arts and Science Academic Advising (146 Upham Hall, 529-3031)
- * Miami Plan & College of Arts and Science Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making - Office of Career Services (241 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook
Developed by the College of Arts and Science Advising Office and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.