A degree in Anthropology offers students research experience and advanced coursework in several specialized areas such as evolutionary and cultural anthropology. After completing a Masters in Anthropology, individuals can find employment in the academic sector, as well as in the corporate, non-profit, and the government sectors.
If you are interested in exploring more about this field and want to immerse yourself in the study of people, then you might want to go through this article. The following sections will shed light on the career outlook and salary prospects of professionals working in the field of Anthropology.
What Is Anthropology?
The systematic study of humanity is called Anthropology. It is a science that studies the belief and social customs, biological characteristics, and origins and evolution of humankind.
If you have good analytical, critical thinking, and communications skills, then you might be fit for a career in anthropology. Skim through the rest of the article to learn about the career prospects in this field.
What Can You Do with a Masters in Anthropology?
Individuals enrolled in the Master of Arts (M.A) in Anthropology can specialize in a variety of fields, depending on their career goals and aspirations. They can major in areas like Archeology, Biological Anthropology, Sociocultural Anthropology, and General Anthropology.
The Archaeology major prepares students for careers in cultural resource management and archeology. The Biological Anthropology pathway trains students for careers in bioarcheology, primatology, and forensic anthropology. The Sociocultural concentration prepares program participants to work in public service, education, the nonprofit sector, and trains them to work in underserved communities. The General Anthropology major trains individuals for careers in traditional areas of anthropology which include physical anthropology, linguistics, archeology, ethnography and culture theory.
After graduating, individuals can work as Museum Curators, Anthropologists and Archeologists, Anthropology Teachers, Social Researchers, and Cultural Resource Managers.
Now, let’s discuss the salary outlook for a few occupations in this field.
Anthropologists and Archeologists
These professionals study the behavior, development, and origin of humans. They are responsible for studying the way of life, physical traits, and language of people in different corners of the world.
Median Annual Salary, 2019: $63,670
Average Mean Salary, 2019: $66,810
Projected Growth Rate, 2018-28: 10%
State with the Highest Salary, 2019: Alaska - $92,740
State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019: California - 1,610
Curators
These professionals administer collections such as historic items and collectibles.
Median Annual Salary, 2019: $54,570
Average Mean Salary, 2019: $59,130
Projected Growth Rate, 2018-2028: 9% (Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers)
State with the Highest Salary, 2019: District of Columbia - $80,760
State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019: New York - 1,580
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Post-secondary
These professionals instruct students in archeology and anthropology beyond the high school level.
Median Annual Salary, 2019: $86,220
Average Mean Income, 2019: $95,140
Projected Growth Rate, 2018-2028:10 % (Anthropologists and Archeologists)
State with the Highest Salary, 2019: California - $124,800
State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019: New York - 900
Note: Thee figures have been obtained from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What to Expect from an Anthropology Program?
Master of Arts (M.A.) Program in Anthropology can be completed within 2 to 4 years and requires completion of around 30 to 36 units. This program is grounded in theory and methods and offers a range of opportunities for internships and fieldwork in historic preservation, cultural resource management, cultural anthropology, and archeology.
The program covers a number of modules such as Anthropological Theory and Analysis, Advanced Forensic Anthropology, Human Osteology, Language and Culture, Development of Archeological Theory, Methods in Ethnography, and Social Organization.
How to Choose an Anthropology Program?
While selecting an Anthropology program, you should consider several factors such as the program’s curriculum, length of the degree, reputation of the college, and cost of the program. You should also check whether the program offers flexible study formats such as online and hybrid classes.
Master’s in Anthropology Admission Requirements
Admission requirements generally vary from one university to another. Generally, the requirements are as follows:
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Candidates applying to the Master’s program must have a baccalaureate in Anthropology. Those students who haven’t studied Anthropology at the undergraduate level are required to complete a specific number of Anthropology units in order to be eligible for admission.
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CGPA requirements vary according to the specialization options. Some Master’s program require a minimum CGPA of 2.75, while other don’t accept a CGPA below 3.0.
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In order to gain admission into the Master’s program, students have to send their completed application forms, motivation letters, transcripts, and recommendation letters to the university before the deadline.