Anthropology and Professional Careers
The University of Florida Department of Anthropology is an applied department. Undergraduates and graduates have opportunities to study and do research in local communities on projects such as health care, environmental policy, applied archaeology, to name a few. An undergraduate degree in anthropology at Florida stresses the uses of anthropology and practical opportunities to experience anthropology first hand through archaeological field schools, lab internships, study abroad programs, and individual research.
Not all undergraduates who major in anthropology intend to pursue graduate studies. Some students choose anthropology because of the unique combination of culture, biology, and geographic diversity that anthropology offers. Others hope to pursue studies in professional programs at the University of Florida or other institutions in the fields of law, medicine, education, library science, public affairs, urban planning.
Those major planning to enter one of the professional colleges should seek counseling from the Office of Health and Legal Professions at the Academic Advising Center. Other resources regarding graduate work and career planning can be found at the Career Counseling Center in the Reitz Union.
Those who are considering careers as professional anthropologists should consult with Department faculty about opportunities for graduate study at the University of Florida or at other institutions. In the past many professional anthropologists obtained a Ph.D. degree in anthropology with a concentration in one of the four subfields. These individuals were employed as professors or museum curators. Today, more opportunities are available with a master's degree in anthropology.
