Home / Majors / Anthropology

Anthropology Major

Study of human cultures, societies, and biological development.

Entry: $40,000
Mid: $65,000
Senior: $90,000
Growth: 7% (above avg)

Overview

Anthropology majors study human cultures, societies, and evolution across time and space. The field includes cultural anthropology, archaeological studies, linguistic anthropology, and biological anthropology.

Students learn research methods including ethnography and fieldwork while exploring human diversity and cultural practices. The curriculum emphasizes understanding different ways of life and human adaptation.

Anthropology graduates pursue careers in research, education, cultural resource management, and international development. The major develops cross-cultural competence and analytical skills valuable in our globalized world.

Career Prospects

Cultural Anthropologist
Archaeologist
Museum Curator
International Development Worker
Cultural Resource Manager
Research Analyst
University Professor
Government Researcher
Non-profit Program Manager
Travel Writer

Top Universities for Anthropology

1

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • 3.5% acceptance rate
US News
#3
2

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA • 11.7% acceptance rate
3

Stanford University

Stanford, CA • 3.6% acceptance rate
US News
#4
4

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • 5.2% acceptance rate
US News
#14
5

Yale University

New Haven, CT • 4.6% acceptance rate
US News
#5
6

Columbia University

New York, NY • 65.0% acceptance rate
7

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ • 4.5% acceptance rate
US News
#1
8

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI • 15.0% acceptance rate
US News
#21
9

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • 5.9% acceptance rate
US News
#6
10

Brown University

Providence, RI • 5.0% acceptance rate
US News
#9

Popular Courses

Cultural Anthropology
Archaeological Methods
Linguistic Anthropology
Biological Anthropology
Ethnographic Methods
World Cultures
Human Evolution
Applied Anthropology
Medical Anthropology
Environmental Anthropology

Admissions Requirements

  • Interest in human cultures and diversity
  • Strong writing and research skills
  • Cultural curiosity and sensitivity
  • Travel or cross-cultural experience
  • Social studies background
  • Foreign language study helpful
  • Critical thinking abilities

Essential Skills

Research and fieldworkCultural analysisCross-cultural communicationWriting and documentationCritical thinkingObservation skillsLanguage skillsAdaptability

Work Environments

  • Universities and colleges
  • Museums
  • Government agencies
  • International organizations
  • Cultural resource firms
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Research institutions
  • Consulting firms

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a Anthropology major?

A Anthropology major opens doors to careers in cultural anthropologist, archaeologist, museum curator, and many other fields. The skills you develop in research and fieldwork, cultural analysis, cross-cultural communication are highly valued across industries.

What is the job outlook for Anthropology graduates?

The job growth for Anthropology related careers is projected at 7% (above avg), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level salaries typically start around $40,000, with potential to grow to $90,000 or more with experience.

What are the admission requirements for Anthropology programs?

Most Anthropology programs require interest in human cultures and diversity and strong writing and research skills. Additionally, many programs look for cultural curiosity and sensitivity and travel or cross-cultural experience.

Which universities have the best Anthropology programs?

Top universities for Anthropology include Harvard University, University of California-Berkeley, Stanford University, University of Chicago, Yale University, among others. These institutions are known for their strong faculty, research opportunities, and career placement rates.