Bachelor [Anthropology] From Kansas State University

Anthropology is the systematic, cross-cultural study of human beings in both their cultural and biological aspects. The goal of anthropology is to understand people by studying human behavior and beliefs from all times and places. Because of its broad comparative perspective, anthropology has been called the most liberating of the sciences; it has helped destroy myths of racial or cultural superiority and has expanded our knowledge of the human experience.

There are four major subfields of anthropology. Physical anthropology explores the origins of human life and the biological bases of culture. Archaeology examines the development of human cultures from prehistory and ancient civilizations to historic and modern times. Linguistic anthropology focuses on the languages and dialects of the world and the relationships of language to thought and culture. Cultural anthropology studies human behavior by surveying the range and variety of cultural traditions throughout the world. Some anthropology majors generalize, while others specialize in one or more of the subfields.

Careers

A bachelor’s degree in anthropology provides a broad general background for more specialized postbaccalaureate study or general career options. Students often combine anthropology with other interests, including double majors in anthropology and another field.

Federal, state and municipal governments are important employers in areas like cultural resource management, museums and parks, public health, medical examiner offices, the U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Education and Social and Rehabilitation Services, Department of Defense and others. Positions are also available in private firms conducting contract archaeology. Students interested in applying anthropological knowledge find jobs in areas such as advocacy for minority groups, culturally appropriate health care delivery, community development administration, international agriculture, refugee services or bilingual education.