Bridging The Gap Between Science and Humanities To Better Understand People: Anthropology Degree
Are you interested in the fields of humanities as well as sciences? Would you like to earn a degree that covers both these fields and help prepare you for a variety of career paths? In that case a degree in anthropology might be just what you are looking for. It is a field of study that can teach you more about the biological and cultural diversity of humans. This is great if you would like to better understand human behavior, find out how people adapt to different environments and much more. Students can start with an undergraduate program for a general course in the subject of anthropology or a graduate program that focuses on specific areas of this fascinating field. So, if you desire to improve your cultural awareness and look at the world from the perspective of others, then a degree in anthropology offers a great way to do this.
Anthropology Degree Information
Associate of Arts in Anthropology Degree
The Associate of Arts in Anthropology program is a two year degree that can help students to prepare for a transfer to four-year institutions. In addition to general courses, such as statistics, college algebra and English composition, this degree also includes courses in arts and humanities, history, social and behavioral sciences and more. Topics related to anthropology include general anthropology, physical anthropology, cultural anthropology and more.
Bachelor of Science in Anthropology Degree
The Bachelor of Science in Anthropology is a four year degree program that deals with more advanced topics than the associate degree. Students gain a grounding in basic science along with a broad education in anthropology. This type of degree can be beneficial for students who wish to work in the fields of forensic science, scientific anthropology and medicine. In addition to the general education program, this type of degree may feature courses in cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, anthropology in the contemporary world, ethics in anthropology and social science research methods.
Master of Arts in Anthropology Degree
The Master of Arts in Anthropology is typically a two year degree program, although it can be completed in one year of full time studying. Course topics may include social anthropology, archaeological anthropology, physical anthropology, development anthropology, medical anthropology as well as elective core courses in applied anthropology, linguistic anthropology, visual anthropology, advance archaeological anthropology and more. The completion of a masters thesis project is typically also a requirement for earning this type of degree.
Anthropology Degree FAQs
Can I Obtain This Type of Degree Via Online Studies?
Online courses are available for anthropology, which offers students the option to obtain this degree in their own time. Typically, online classes are not only less expensive than attending campus, but also more convenient for students who have other obligations such as work. You can earn the same type of degree that you would have when attending a campus, but with greater flexibility in terms of how you spend your time. Online anthropology degrees often also enable students to focus their studies on the subfield of their choice.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate To Study Anthropology?
Anthropology is a great field for open minded students who have an interest in people and other cultures. Those interested in studying anthropology should have good communication skills and enjoy working with other people. Critical thinking skills are just as important as is the ability to collect and understand information. In addition, time management skills and problem solving abilities will also be very beneficial. All of these skills are sharpened when studying anthropology, but it requires commitment and a passion for the subject.
What Type of Career Paths Are Possible With A Degree In This Field?
A degree in anthropology can be useful for just about any line of work, which is why such a large number of well-known people obtained this degree. Actors and actresses like Glenn Close, Ashley Judd, Thandie Newton and Hugh Laurie, as well as writers like Ursula K. Le Guin, Kurt Vonnegut and Barbara Mertz all have this degree under the belts. Other notable people with this degree include the former CEO of Barnes & Noble, Steve Riggio, computer scientist Christopher Langton and award winning singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman. This just shows that the degree not only broadens your knowledge of the world, but can also provide you with a range of useful skills. Anthropology students often go on to work at museums or art galleries, international agencies, non-profit agencies, publishers, environmental agencies as well as business or market research firms. Those who go on to obtain a doctorate can pursue academic jobs, but there is also a need in many other sectors for skilled people who can evaluate and interpret large volumes of data on human behavior.
How Much Can I Potentially Earn With A Degree In Anthropology?
Since many students with anthropology degrees goes on to work in a diverse range of occupations, it is difficult to pinpoint an exact salary range. However, according to information published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, anthropologists and archaeologists earned a median pay of about $63,670 per year during 2019. The highest paying industries for this occupation are the federal government, followed by engineering services and management, scientific and technical consulting services.
What Are The Other Advantages To Studying Anthropology?
While there are many other degrees that can provide you with great career prospects, anthropology is one of the few degrees that can really change your outlook on life. It can teach you a lot about other people as well as yourself and the world around you. Like other degrees anthropology can also equip you with the broad skill set that is useful for any type of career. These skills include comparative perspectives, language skills, writing and analysis from multiple lines of evidence. It is a degree that can teach you how to think, instead of what to think.
