Physical Anthropology

<h2 id="section---IsPhysicalAnthropologyForMe">Is Physical Anthropology for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p>Physical anthropology is a sub-field of <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Anthropology_Degrees_Online_Program_FAQs.html">anthropology</a> that focuses on human biology, including how biology and culture affect one another. It can involve the study of human variation, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Evolutionary_Biology_Degree_Programs_and_Courses_FAQs.html">biological evolution</a> and primatology. As a physical <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Anthropologist_Your_Career_and_Salary_Questions_Answered.html">anthropologist</a>, you might examine human skeletal remains to determine how various factors, such as disease and nutrition, affected past populations. In doing so, you not only learn about past civilizations, but also about how future generations may live. </p> <h3 id="section---CareerOptions">Career Options</h3> <p>Some physical anthropologists work for the government, are privately employed or provide consulting services; however, most work in academia, splitting their time between research and teaching. Depending on your focus within the field, you could teach within a department of anthropology, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Zoology_5_Steps_to_Becoming_a_Zoologist.html">zoology</a>, human biology or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Biological_Science_Degree_Programs_Answers_to_Your_Questions.html">biological sciences</a> at a college or university. You might also teach <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Careers_in_Human_Anatomy_Answers_to_Your_Questions.html">anatomy</a> classes at a medical school or work at a zoo or natural history museum. With the appropriate license, you might become a high school anthropology teacher. Many physical anthropology jobs involve fieldwork, which could allow you to travel to places like Africa or Latin America. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentInformation">Employment Information</h3> <p>Between 2012 and 2022, employment in anthropology and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Archaeology.html">archaeology</a> is expected to increase by 19%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is faster than the national average for all jobs. The BLS also notes that you're likely to enjoy the best job opportunities with a graduate degree and fieldwork experience. </p> <p>According to the BLS, the median salary among anthropologists and archaeologists was $58,360 as of 2013. The median annual salary for postsecondary anthropology and archaeology teachers was $75,930, per the BLS. </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInPhysicalAnthropology">How Can I Work in Physical Anthropology?</h2> <h3 id="section---EducationOverview">Education Overview</h3> <p>Although the BLS defines physical anthropology and biological anthropology as distinct disciplines, most colleges and universities - as well as the American Association of Physical Anthropologists - use these terms interchangeably to describe a single biosocial science field. Thus, both biological anthropology and physical anthropology programs should prepare you for this field, regardless of title. </p> <p>High schools don't usually offer courses in physical anthropology, but many offer broader <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Online_Anthropology_Courses_and_Schools_Your_Questions_Answered.html">anthropology courses</a> that may help you get a feel for this field before committing to a college major or specialization. According to the BLS, you often need a graduate degree to work in a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Which_Jobs_Will_a_Social_Science_Degree_Prepare_Me_for.html">social science field</a> like physical anthropology, particularly if you want to teach at a college or university. Some anthropology jobs, however, are open to bachelor's degree-holders, including most <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_High_School_Subjects_Can_I_Teach.html">high school teaching positions</a>. </p> <h4 id="section---DegreePrograms">Degree Programs</h4> <p>Hundreds of colleges and universities across the nation offer undergraduate and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/PhD_in_Anthropology_Your_Questions_Answered.html">graduate programs in anthropology</a>, many of which include courses in physical or biological anthropology. Although less common, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs specific to this field are also available under the title of physical or biological anthropology. Some of the topics covered in physical anthropology courses are morphology, human ecology, population systems, human variation and forensic anthropology. </p> <p>A bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study to complete, whereas earning a master's usually takes two. The duration of a doctoral program often depends upon how long you take to complete original research requirements, but at least three years of study is common.</p>