Some possible jobs within this career area are:
While you don’t need a special certificate to be a mathematician or a scientist, in theory, you might need certifications for your individual career. For example, teachers need teaching certificates, and sometimes have to return to school to keep their license active. Some lab workers need special training or certification. And many workers find that continuing education benefits not only their knowledge base, but also their wallet.
Typical degrees for math or science programs include:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- PhD
Scientists and math specialists – people who have a lot of knowledge in specialized fields – are always in need and in demand. Many companies recruit students who major in math or science because they have fundamental training that can be applied to a variety of disciplines. Most career counselors recommend getting internships during school so you can establish a work history as well as make important professional connections.
You could earn a degree in math or science in as little as two years, for an Associate’s Degree, or as long as four years for a Bachelor’s Degree. Remember that you also have graduate school as an option, which could take an additional two or three years.
How to Become an Anthropologist
An anthropologist career may be for you if the behavior, origins, and development of humans interests you, because those are the aspects of humans that anthropologists study. Anthropologists spend their time in the field, collecting data such as historical records or archeological remains. Anthropologists may study the prehistory of humans, but they can also study current human concerns such as overpopulation, poverty, and warfare. A career in anthropology can be satisfying for those who are fascinated by the human species.
Anthropologists typically work a standard 40-hour work week. However, some travel and extra hours can be expected from time to time, especially for those who specialize in prehistory and collect data from archeological finds.
Education Required for a Career as an Anthropologist
To become an anthropologist, you will need a bachelor's degree as a minimum. This will only get you an entry-level position, however. If you want a career as an anthropologist, you will generally need a master's or Ph.D. degree. Many anthropologists also pursue careers on university faculties.
Start your path to a successful anthropologist career by taking sociology, history, psychology, and languages. Learning to speak multiple languages can be helpful to the career of an anthropologist. Continue taking these courses while earning your four-year degree. The successful anthropologist will continue with post-graduate work, specializing within a field of anthropology such as linguistic anthropology or biological anthropology.
Anthropologists will need to specialize as they progress through their education in order to be successful. For example, loading up with coursework in sociology will help enable you to become successful in sociocultural anthropology, which is the study of customs, cultures, and social lives of groups of people.
Internships will help your career along with post-graduate degrees. Gain as much experience as possible before applying for your first anthropology position.
Anthropologist Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median anthropologist salary is $53,900. The top ten percent of anthropologist salaries is above $89,500. The middle fifty percent of anthropologist salaries fall between $39,200 and $71,000. The bottom ten percent of anthropologist salaries fall below $32,200. (Salary data retrieved 7/13/11)
To get the education you need to become an anthropologist, find a degree program now!