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Prospective Undergraduate Students
Not sure if Anthropology is the right fit for you?
We'll attempt to answer some of the most common questions below. And hopefully address some of your concerns.
But first read 'What can you do with a degree in anthropology?' brochure prepared by the Anthropology Career Readiness Network.
Why Study Anthropology?
Why not? After all, Anthropology is concerned with all things that people do or have done! Anthropology combines scientific and humanistic approaches in the social science to study human behavior, biology, language, and society, in a cross-cultural perspective. Anthropology‘s commitment to exploring the cultural breadth and the historical depth of human experience makes it one of the broadest of all academic disciplines.
What our Anthropology Alumni say
Why did you choose to take courses in Anthropology?
The following short video features alumni reflecting on how they ended up studying Anthropology in the first place, and what it was about the discipline that most appealed to them. Their words might help you better understand what may draw you to the field.
Why would Anthro be a great choice?
Wide Range of Career Paths
Anthropology graduates find careers across a wide range of fields — from government and non-profit organizations to marketing, management consulting, cultural resource management, and university research. Many also go on to graduate study or to professional programs like law or education.
If you are not sure how a degree in Anthropology can be used and what career paths it can open for you, please visit Careers in Anthropology webpage.
Competitive Skill Set
An anthropology degree builds a toolkit of skills that employers are actively seeking: critical thinking, communication, active listening, research and data analysis, complex problem solving, and cultural awareness. These aren't just academic skills — they translate directly into workplace value.
If you would like to know what soft and technical skills you can develop while studying Anthropology (and if they are competitive for the current job market) we suggest that you check out our Skills and Competencies webpage.
Valuable Hands-On Experience
Our students gain hands-on experience through field schools, research practicums, and courses teaching practical skills that emphasize collaboration and mentorship. Those opportunities offer immersive training in all Anthropology subfields helping students build real-world skills and strong academic–community connections through real-world experience.
If you value Experiential Learning and want to try real field experience before deciding on a career path, our Department regularly presents our students with various field school and practical research opportunities from all over the world, including our own field courses and research practicums in Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa.
Hear What Our Students Say
Visit our Anthro Graducation website, created by Western Anthropology graduate students, to get first-hand advice!
This website can help you explore real research, career paths, and practical applications of Anthropology through the personal experience of our graduate students and expert Anthropologists. You can also connect with the site creators to gain valuable insights and advice about research, to learn how Anthropology works in the real world and how you can apply it to your future careers.
If you're convinced now that Anthropology is the right fit for you,
and you are wondering what you should do next,