OVERVIEW OF MAJOR
Do you wonder what forces led to the rise of agricultural or industrial societies? Would you like to understand how human biology, behavior and the natural environment have interacted to produce past or present cultures? Have you ever wondered why all human groups practice religion, have creation myths and practice marriage customs? Has the question of how human beings came to be human ever interested you? If you are curious about any of these issues, then a major in anthropology may be right for you.
Anthropology bridges the natural and social sciences, and humanities. It includes such diverse fields as contemporary culture, ethnicity, linguistics, comparative religion, farming practices, archeology, human ecology, human anatomy, evolution, and the behavior of non-human primates. Anthropology is a holistic field, and therefore, views the human condition as a result of the interaction of economics, social organization, history, technology, biology, ideology, and the environment. Majors can specialize in cultural anthropology, archeology, and biological anthropology.
Anthropology majors follow a liberal arts curriculum that provides a broad education with an emphasis on learning how to learn. Field classes involving the excavation of archaeological sites are offered during the summer. Graduates should be able to view the human condition with equal ability from its behavioral, biological, and historical perspectives. The well rounded liberal arts education plus acquisition of important marketable skills including analytical ability, communication and people skills make anthropology graduates valuable in business, government, and education. This is an extremely useful major for students who plan to pursue careers in which they anticipate contact with non-Western cultures; and, with careful planning, a second major in any field can be obtained to complement and enhance professional preparation.
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CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS
Human Relations
* Appreciation of different ways of life
* Enjoy leading and participating in groups
Investigative
* Ability to observe people, data and things
* Ability to analyze and evaluate relationships between factors
Scientific
* Laboratory skills
* Enjoy researching origins and uses of artifacts
* Qualitative and quantitative analytical skills
* Computational skills
* Ability to investigate the nature of the past
Cultural
* Information gathering skills
* Ability to conduct field studies
* Sampling and surveying skills
* Enjoy data collection and comparison
* Enjoy examination of archaeological remains, settlements, tools, pottery
Project Development
* Project planning and design skills
* Maintenance of records and data tabulation skills
* Excellent writing and speaking skills
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POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS
Anthropology like many liberal arts majors provides students with a broad academic background suitable for a variety of jobs in the public and private sectors. Anthropology majors are trained to think independently and critically, communicate effectively, and function in a multicultural world. Many employers appreciate liberal arts majors for their multiple skills and their ability to adapt to a variety of tasks and work environments. Participating in internships and cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance your practical training and development. Careers for graduates are available in education, business and government. Graduates who go on for advanced studies can pursue careers in Anthropology or attain advanced positions with the possibility of rising to top professional levels. Some career opportunities for anthropology graduates include:
Historical/Intercultural
* Museum curator/researcher
* Genealogist
* International relief representative
* Salvage archeologist
* Collections assistant
* Heritage conservationist
* Historic preservationist
* Librarian
Government
* Urban planner
* Archivist or artifact conservator
* Resource specialist
* Classical or historical anthropologist
* Cultural affairs officer
* Diplomatic service representative
* Immigration or foreign service officer
Communications
* Linguist
* Educational television researcher
* Biographical writer
* Scientific/technical writer
* Reporter
* Ethnographic photographer
Human services
* Anthropological linguist
* Rural development worker
* Ethnic groups special concerns advocate
* Inter-cultural educator
* Medical anthropologist
* Grant writer
* Psychological anthropologist
* International development administrator
Business/industry
* Public relations representative
* Public opinion pollster
* Sales/marketing representative
* Consultant for cross cultural relations
* Personnel worker
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RELATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
* Anthropology Club
* Liberal Arts College Council
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MORE INFORMATION
Department of Anthropology
C207 Clark Building
1787 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1787
970-491-5447
http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/Anthropology/
* Academic and career advising for majors
Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA)
TILT Building
801 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1032
970-491-7095
http://www.casa.colostate.edu
* Academic advising/Major exploration
Career Center
26 Lory Student Center
Lower level, by Student Media
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-5707
http://career.colostate.edu
* Major and career exploration/Job search information
Admissions and Undergraduate Recruitment
Ammons Hall
711 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-6909
http://www.admissions.colostate.edu
* Admission applications/University visits and tours
General Catalog Online
http://www.catalog.colostate.edu/
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