Career Planning

Student presentations.

Career Pathways

Students considering a major in anthropology often ask what career pathways are available after graduation. Many students continue their education by attending MA and PhD programs in the discipline to become professors and researchers in colleges and universities.  Others go on to pursue advanced and professional degrees in museum studies, social work, public health, medicine or law.

Employers outside colleges and universities are increasingly seeking out and hiring anthropology graduates for their skills in adapting to new environments and people, ability to analyze data and communicate clearly and effectively. For instance, check out this Prezi presentation put together by students at the University of South Florida about what you can do with an Anthropology degree.

Consider the below lists where UB anthropology graduates successfully apply their skills in a variety of rewarding professions:

Job Titles

  • Art Consultant
  • University Professor
  • Immigration Officer
  • Family Advocate
  • College Admissions Advisor
  • Epidemiologist
  • Manuscript Editor
  • High School Teacher
  • Museum Curator
  • Middle School Guidance Counselor
  • Physician
  • Clinic Manager
  • Historic Site Administrator
  • Wildlife Program Coordinator
  • Research Analyst
  • Copyright Associate
  • Social Worker
  • Non-profit Executive Director
  • Attorney
  • Police Officer
  • Air Traffic Control Specialist
  • Medical Director
  • Park Ranger
  • Library Director
  • Business Owner
  • Youth Program Director
  • Forensic Pathologist
  • Education Coordinator
  • Paralegal

Employers

  • National Imagery and Mapping Agency
  • Xerox Corporation
  • HSBC Bank
  • Buffalo Urban League
  • Amos Enos Gallery
  • Buffalo Museum of Science
  • U.S. Department of Labor
  • NYS Department of Labor
  • U.S. Department of Justice
  • Veterans Administration
  • Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
  • Museum of International Folk Art
  • St. Louis Science Center
  • U.S. Air Force
  • National Board of Medical Examiners
  • National Council of Teachers
  • National Parks Service
  • National Institute of Health
  • Big Brother / Big Sister
  • The Cleveland Clinic
  • JSTOR
  • Rich Products Corporations
  • Journeys End Refugee Services
  • NYS Division of Human Rights
  • Random House
  • Citigroup, Inc.
  • Tribune Media Services International
Did you know?

DegreeQuery ranks Anthropology as one of the "Top 50 Degrees for Changing the World" and "Top 50 Degrees for the Future" as the degree "is a great option for those who want to examine our past to find ways to make our future brighter." 

Career Resources

It is never too early to start planning for your next steps beyond UB.

The Department of Anthropology can assist students with planning for internships, study abroad experiences and field schools during your academic career. These opportunities help you to build your resume, develop networking connections and gain confidence in applying your anthropological knowledge.

We recommend visiting UB Career Services and the discipline's professional organizations for insights on potential career pathways  and announcements on professional development activities such as workshops and career fairs.

UB Career Design Center
American Anthropological Association (AAA)
AAA Anthropology Careers and Employment
American Association of Biological Anthropologists (AABA)
Society for American Archaeology (SAA)