What can you do with an anthropology degree?

What do anthropology majors do?

Anthropologists are people-persons. They’re interested in people's lives and in improving them by applying their understanding of people, societies, and cultures to a diverse range of real-world applications, from user experience (UX) research in the tech industry to patient advocacy in health care.

“Anthropology is like a choose-your-own-adventure in that it’s a very broad and interactive field — you can tailor it to whatever field fits your interest,” says professor Stark.

As a student, you can explore your interests in anthropology's four major themes:

• cultural anthropology (which explores contemporary cultures),
• archaeology (which investigates past societies through material remains),
• linguistic anthropology (focusing on language in its social context), and
• biological anthropology (the biological aspects and evolutionary history of humans).

An exciting part of anthropology is field studies and lab work. Many programs offer opportunities such as travel to research sites abroad, labs with artifacts related to the focus of the program, international exchanges, and co-op or internships where you can gain practical experience and skills before graduating.

In Waterloo's Anthropology degree program, there are opportunities to conduct field work on archeological sites and to  access artifact collections in your upper years. You may also take courses in one of Waterloo’s anthropology labs, which focus on research into human-environment interactions and multilingualism, respectively. Many Anthropology students also engage in field schools in biological anthropology and archaeology.

Learn by doing 

Hands-on experience can deepen your learning and clarify your interests. Co-op terms let you apply classroom knowledge to real projects, build a portfolio, and learn from supervisors and peers. Co-op jobs for anthropology majors may include research assistantships, museum and heritage projects, community outreach, UX research, and policy analysis with government or non-profits.

Many students return to their courses with fresh motivation and a clearer sense of direction, making it easier to choose upper-year classes, specializations, and projects that align with their career interests.

What jobs can I get with an anthropology degree?

While many people might associate jobs in museums and archaeology with anthropology, anthropologists’ broad foundation means they can have an impactful career in many fields, including

• market research,
• education,
• health care,
• government,
• public policy, and
• NGOs or non-profits.

Putting lived experiences at the centre of decisions is central to anthropology. You'll graduate with critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, research skills, and a better understanding of humankind enabling you to analyze societal trends, conduct research, and foster cross-cultural communication.

Anthropology is instrumental in addressing global challenges like migration, climate change, and public health. For example, Waterloo professors are researching how ancient and contemporary mining expose populations to harmful heavy metals, how gendered social spaces in the Middle East impacts refugee resettlement, and how industrialization and capitalism have unevenly distributed the effects of climate change to disadvantaged communities.

Anthropologists offer holistic perspectives on these issues, guiding international organizations and governments in developing culturally sensitive and effective strategies for sustainable solutions.

Emerging career areas for anthropology graduates

Newer career paths for anthropology majors are growing, too. Graduates are pursuing roles in promoting adaptation to the changing climate; intercultural training; and diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy. If you enjoy technology, you can consider user experience research, service design, digital ethnography, product research, and AI ethics.

Anthropologists often work at the intersection of disciplines, such as  Jennifer Liu, an assistant professor at Waterloo whose work intersects science and technology and global health to address biomedical technologies, science and health governance and ethics, and food and water security.

Medical anthropology has also seen significant advancements with the creation of tailored treatments, professor Stark notes. This is seen in many contexts, particularly where physical and structural inequalities prevent access to health care. Medical anthropology addresses how to reduce these barriers and make treatment more equitable and tailored to cultural viewpoints and cultural needs.

Where do anthropology graduates work?

Employers of anthropologists include schools and universities, public agencies, non-profit and community organizations, health care systems, museums and heritage institutions, and private-sector consultancies.

In many regions, there’s also a steady demand for reconciliation projects, cultural resource management, and community-based research. These careers in anthropology translate human insight into better products and services by relying on anthropologists’ strong research and communication skills.

Pursuing further education  

Continuing your education with a master's degree or PhD in anthropology allows you to specialize in an area of personal interest.

Depending upon your career goals, you could branch out into fields such as law, teaching, public health, urban planning, museum studies, and international development.  These paths can lead to academic careers, applied research roles, or sector-specific work in heritage management, evaluation, or UX.

To complement your expertise in anthropology, you might add professional certifications such as project management, UX research and design, geographic information systems (GIS), heritage conservation, or research ethics to add depth to your skills.

How do I know if an anthropology degree is right for me?

Anthropology graduates are everywhere, from education and government to business, health care, and beyond. With their ability to analyze societal trends, understand contemporary issues, and foster cross-cultural communication, there’s a place for anthropologists in every field involving people.

If you’re asking, “what can I do with an anthropology degree,” think about roles that involve listening carefully, collaborating with stakeholders, and building evidence that guides fair and effective solutions.

Overall, professor Stark says “anthropology provides a human perspective to inform our opinions about how people engage with the world and dynamics around the globe. It allows us all to find common ground in our human bond.”

If this sounds like a good fit for you, learn more about Waterloo's Anthropology program →