Types of Anthropology Jobs

Anthropology is, in the broadest sense, the study of humans. The field of anthropology is divided into four specialties: biological, cultural, archeological and linguistic anthropology.

Forensic Anthropologists

Forensic anthropologists are specialists in biological anthropology, and use their knowledge of the human skeletal system to assist law enforcement in identifying human remains.

Applied Anthropologists

Applied anthropologists use their knowledge of humans to help businesses conduct ethnographic research and develop products or advertising campaigns geared to specific groups of people.

Archeologists

Anthropologists who specialize in archeology may work for museums, research institutions, public agencies or universities. They perform field work to unearth artifacts and analyze the findings to discern information about a culture.

Linguistic Anthropologists

Linguistic anthropologists study the evolution and use of language across cultures and time, as well as its present development. Linguistic specialists are employed primarily in the areas of research and teaching at the university level.

Research Anthropologists

Research anthropologists are employed primarily by universities and museums, and are concerned with publishing academic research in one of the four anthropological specialties. University researchers generally teach undergraduate and graduate anthropology courses.

References

• National Association for the Practice of Anthropology
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Social Scientists
• American Anthropological Association

Resources

• National Association for the Practice of Anthropology