Most people are aware that anthropology means, literally, the study of people. If you ask someone to describe their idea of what an anthropologist is, however, they will probably give you a limited picture of someone hiking far off the beaten path to live with an exotic group of people in a foreign country. Anthropologists do study other cultures, but the field of anthropology is so much broader than this!

Anthropologists study all aspects of human life and culture. Some work with law enforcement officials to identify murder victims. Some study language and may work ardently to preserve languages that are in danger of becoming extinct. Some study subcultures, such as those found in sports fans or religious groups. Some work all over the world, excavating historical sites to document past cultures before they are paved over. You will find anthropologists working in every sector, from academic circles to international business. The possibilities with a degree in anthropology are literally endless.

Studying anthropology is a great way to develop very useful and marketable life skills. Anthropology students learn to be very culturally aware, which is critical to learning how to communicate effectively in a wide variety of cultural situations. Decades ago, Chevrolet tried to market a car in Mexico. The car failed because its name, Nova, meant “doesn’t go” in Spanish. Businesses know that, in order to be successful in the global market, it is absolutely critical to have a keen cultural awareness. Anthropology students also develop important critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills that are important to learning to solve problems in innovative ways.

Anthropology is a holistic field that looks at people and culture in the context in which they are found. How does the environment impact the way people live? What rituals and beliefs do cultures develop to address events like birth, death, or natural phenomena? How do rules and sanctions help to enforce necessary social functions and responsibilities, and how do they help a culture to survive within its environment? In order to really understand anything, it is important to examine it within the context it came from, and anthropology teaches students how to understand the interlocking pieces of a particular problem or situation.

Take a minute to think about everything that humans are and do. Think about everything you do in a given day, and what each event means. Think about your traditions, your history, your letters, your possessions, your interactions with other people, what you eat, where you shop, what you drive, where you go, and the language you speak. Anthropology studies all of these things and more. If you are looking for a very dynamic and inclusive major, anthropology may very well be a good fit for you.