posted on Nov, 3 2009 @ 01:15 PM
A BA in Anthropology does limit your options, oftentimes restricting you to entry-level positions, whereas a Masters or PhD would open many more
doors.
However, even with just a BA in Anthropology there are plenty of jobs to be had, although not readily apparent to most, but it rather depends on what
type of Anthropology you specialize in.
Cultural anthropologists are equipped to work in public relations and advertising positions in the Business World. In the Academic World, cultural
anthropologists can work as museum educators. Cultural anthropologists with an emphasis on medical anthropology also find jobs in community health.
Physical anthropologists can also find work in museums in the same capacity that cultural anthropologists do. Those specializing in primatology can
work in zoos as educators and zookeepers. Physical anthropologists that specialize in human biology and anatomy may pursue work in forensics. Forensic
anthropologists work with law enforcement, usually to help interpret evidence found in human remains. Physical anthropologists who dedicated much of
their education to laboratory-oriented classes can work as lab assistants and researchers for both public and private biological research
facilities.
Archaeologists with a BA in anthropology can do work called 'contract archaeology'. This means that they are called upon to investigate sites that
are usually about to undergo some construction work. Contract archaeologists quickly go in and make sure the construction of a new building will not
destroy an archaeological site that may be hidden under the surface. Archaeologists also may use the education in geology and earth science to work
for government natural resource and ecology departments. Archaeologists sometimes work with museums, both pubic and private. The majority of their
time is not typically spent in the field. Instead, BA archaeologists working for a museum generally work at sorting, cataloging, and storing huge
collections of artifacts.
Linguistical Anthropologists are often multi-lingual and find work as interpreters. With a BA they may find work in international sales, public
service, law enforcement, or any of the several fields that are experiencing a growing need for bilingual employees.
However, a dual major of Journalism with your Anthropology degree does open a lot of other opportunities in the publishing world. It isn't that much
more work to get two BAs if you plan your course-load carefully.
I never finished my undergrad studies in Anthropology, although I was already well underway preparing for Graduate School, specializing in
Paleography, Papyrology and Egyptology. However, the requirement for working in Egypt, needing fluency in German, French, and Arabic in addition to
Hieroglyphic, Hieratic, Demotic and Coptic was becoming a burdensome barrier.
Note though that in Anthropology especially, Specialization does back yourself into a corner. My Specialization limited my selection of Grad Schools
to only three world-wide, and limited my choice and chances for employment after Grad School dramatically.
Still 62% of people with a BA in Anthropology find themselves working outside their field. Although this has more to do with more job opportunities
with better pay in other fields outside of Anthropology which is one of the most underpaid of the White Collar fields. Almost half of Anthropology BAs
go on to Grad School for the sole reason of getting a higher paid position in their field rather than work outside their field for that same higher
pay.
[edit on 3-11-2009 by fraterormus]