Anthropology is literally the study of mankind and while there are anthropologists who approach the study of humans from a cultural perspective (e.g., cultural anthropologists, anthropological linguists, and archaeologists) others study humans as animals (e.g., physical or biological anthropologists). Because of the diversity in perspectives, most anthropology departments throughout the United States offer a four-field approach to the discipline. We at CSU, Chico, are no different and address each of anthropology's subdisciplines: archaeology, cultural, linguistics, and physical/biological anthropology.
Despite diverse approaches among anthropologists they are tied by their common interest to pursue answers to questions concerning human origin, evolution, and variation, which frequently requires an understanding of both biology and culture. Indeed, the discipline of anthropology takes pride in its all-encompassing or "holistic" approach to the study of humans. Just as many other disciplines, anthropology emphasizes the lifelong value of a strong, broad liberal arts education.
Anthropology is concerned with analyzing the origins, cultures, languages, and value systems of all people, past and present. Many are ethnographers--which study contemporary cultures while archaeologists excavate locations of past civilizations and are increasingly involved in environmental review processes.
Physical anthropologists attempt to explain human origins, evolution, and variation through the study of evolutionary theory, comparative anatomy, human paleontology, population genetics, and primate behavior. Some anthropologists specialize in museum work, linguistics, or folklore. Most teach in colleges and universities, in many cases combining teaching with research. However, increasing numbers of anthropologists are finding positions in business and public agencies.
The real question is: "What can't you do with an Anthropology degree?"
The career opportunities for those majoring in Anthropology are limited only by the imagination. This is particularly important to note since most of the jobs that today's graduates will hold have not been invented yet. Our majors have gone straight to work for federal agencies, especially the Forest Service. Our majors have started their own enterprises and gone to work for local, regional, national, and international industries, non-governmental organizations, and non-profits, as well as museums worldwide. Our majors have also gone on to prestigious graduate programs both domestically and abroad. A degree in Anthropology will guarantee an interesting life and for those who rise to the challenge, and it will certainly afford opportunities for travel, inquiry, and a lucrative career that are available nowhere else.