Anthropology is the study of human behavior. This major encourages you to explore the origin and behavior of humans and their physical, social, and cultural development. Anthropologists study the way of life, remains, language, and physical characteristics of people around the world. They compare customs, values, and social patterns of different cultures, past and present. Archaeologists reconstruct a record of extinct cultures, especially preliterate ones, to determine age and cultural identity by classifying and interpreting artifacts, architectural features, and types of structures recovered by excavation (IU School of Liberal Arts, 2017).
About the Major
Engaged Learning Experiences
Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IUPUI’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.
Opportunities After Graduation
Employment for anthropologists with a master’s degree is projected to grow 4% from 2014 to 2024, which is slower than the national average of all occupations (Occupation Outlook Handbook, 2016). IUPUI anthropology majors have many other opportunities after graduation, including work in community services, nonprofits, and more. Employment for anthropologists will be competitive. The job outlook for social and community services will grow 10% from 2014 to 2024.
The average starting salary for IUPUI liberal arts graduates was $38,937 for the May 2019 graduating cohort. The median starting salary for liberal arts graduates was $50,000, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE, 2020).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Anthropology majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas: museum studies, international affairs, medicine, environmental protection, social service, education, historic preservation, and continuing anthropology and archaeology studies.
Quick Facts
Sample Coursework
- Cultural anthropology
- Human origins and prehistory
- Survey of applied anthropology
- Development of anthropological thought
- Evolution and prehistory
- Bioanthropology
- Fieldwork in archaeology
Possible Careers
- Communications specialist
- Curator
- Nonprofit management
- Professor*
- Research specialist
- Urban planner*
*These career options require additional training or education.
Where could I work?
- Community or social services
- Education
- Eiteljorg Museum
- Indiana State Museum
- Nonprofits
- Public health
- State of Indiana
Complementing Interests
IInvestigative
RRealistic
SSocial
Arts, Humanities, and Human Services Cluster
This major is part of the Arts, Humanities, and Human Services (AHHS) cluster. The AHHS cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in art and design, education, general studies, journalism, liberal arts, and social work. The AHHS cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.