Career in Anthropology

Anthropology: Anthropology is a science, which studies the origin and the physical, social, and cultural development and behavior of mankind. It encompasses the study of the origin of human species as well as its cultural and social structures. Besides, Anthropology also studies the evolution of man at different ages as well as the physical and cultural diversity among humans, living at the same period of time, at various parts of the world in diverse environments.

Anthropology is the comparative study of human similarities and differences. It includes the biological and cultural history of the human species over the last four million years, the cultural patterns of people from around the world down to even those who happen to live next door to you, and the techniques and ideas people have used both to exploit and protect natural resources and the environment.

Unfortunately, Anthropology as a field of study still remains among one of the lesser known and less popular subjects. Mankind has yet to explore its full potential.

Eligibility: Even aspiring students with arts can also apply to pursue a course in Anthropology. Generally a Science background at the +2 level is preferred for a B.Sc. programme in Anthropology. B.Sc in Anthropology is of three years duration and thereafter one can specialize in any of the branches at M.Sc and M.Phil levels. A candidate, who plans to join international development agencies as an advisor, should preferably have a Ph.D. degree in the subject.

Job prospects: There are three main areas of employment for an Anthropologist, i.e., teaching, research and working in museums. Research jobs are available in organizations like Archaeological Survey of India, the Planning Commission as well as international organizations like the United Nation's UNESCO or UNICEF also require their services.

Moreover, openings are also available for socio-cultural anthropologists with Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) who seek their expertise in understanding of relations between industry and society.

Cultural anthropologists are particularly well suited to work in professions involving people, such as teaching, law, medicine, social work, and journalism. Archaeology majors may become cultural resource management specialists.

Museums are yet another potent source of employment. Many organizations like the ICMR, WHO and the Police Department also offer employment to anthropologists for the purpose of crime detection.

A section of the students may possibly opt for anthropologically oriented research to provide better service delivery or to assess social issues and social problems, such as in public health, education, urban planning, social welfare, and government planning, international development.

Remuneration: Since the nature of job prospects is very diverse, the salary can vary tremendously. Though, initially pay packet in this field of work is not as lucrative as other hot professions, but there is a tremendous amount of satisfaction associated with this profession. One can expect a starting salary somewhere around Rs. 8,000-12000 per month. There also exists a stiff competition among researchers working in the field of Anthropology for grant of money from national and international funding agencies. Hence aspirants who wish to carryout research in Anthropology must be well prepared.

Institutes: The following Indian universities offer B.A/B.Sc. /M. A. /M.Sc in Anthropology.

Andhra University,
Vishakhapatnam - 530 003

Bangalore University,
Bangalore - 560 056

Berhampur University,
Bhanja Bihar, Berhampur, Distt, Ganjam,
Orissa - 760 007

Dibrugharh University,
Dibrugarh, Assam

Dr.Hari Singh Gour Vishwa Vidyalaya,
Gour Nagar, Sagar, MP

Guwahati University,
Gopinath Bordili Nagar,
Guwahati, Assam

Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University,
Srinagar, Garhwal, Uttar Pradesh

Karnataka University,
Pavate Nagar, Dharwad, Karnataka

Kurukshetra University,
Kurukshetra, Haryana

Manipur University,
Canchipur, Imphal, Manipur

Nagarjuna University,
Nagarjuna Nagar - 522 510

North Eastern Hill University,
Shillong - 793 002

North Maharashtra University,
Jalgaon - 425 002

Pt.Ravishankar Shukla University,
Raipur-492 010

Pune University,
Pune - 411 007

Punjab University,
Paliala - 147 002

Punjab University,
Sector 14, Chandigarh, Punjab

Ranchi University,
Ranchi, Ranchi - 834 001

Sambalpur University,
Jyoti Vihar, Burla, Orissa

Siddhu Kanhu University,
Dumka - 814 101

Sri Venkateshwara University,
Tirupati, Chittor District, AP

University of Allahabad,
Allahabad - 211 002

University of Calcutta,
Senate House, 87, College Street,
Calcutta, West Bengal

University of Delhi,
Delhi - 110 007

University of Hyderabad,
Hyderabad - 500 046

University of Mumbai,
Mumbai - 400 001

University of Mysore,
Mysore - 570 005

University of Rajasthan,
Jaipur - 302 004

Utkal University,
PO Vani Vihar,
Bhubaneshwar Orissa-4

Vidya Sagar University,
PO Midnapore, West Bengal

Vinoba Bhave University,
Hazaribagh - 825 301

Visva-Bharati,
PO Santiniketan- 731