Careers in Anthropology
Anthropology helps you understand people, cultures and systems, skills that matter in many careers. At the University at Buffalo, you learn how to gather information, analyze evidence and communicate ideas clearly. You also develop a deeper understanding of how people solve problems and make decisions across cultures and time. By combining qualitative and quantitative research with attention to cultural context, anthropology prepares you to think critically, adapt to new challenges and work in many professional fields.
Anthropology prepares you to understand people, solve problems and adapt to new situations. That combination helps graduates move confidently into a wide range of roles and industries.
Common job titles include:
- Museum curator
- Historic site administrator
- Research analyst
- Social worker
- Epidemiologist
- Physician
- Forensic pathologistanthropologist
- High school or middle school teacher
- Education coordinator
- UX (User Experience) researcher
- Family advocate
- Youth program director
- Wildlife program coordinator
- Park ranger
- Nonprofit executive director
- Business owner
- Attorney or paralegal
- Library director
- College admissions advisor
- Manuscript or content editor
- Environmental consultant
Some students continue their studies in MA or PhD programs and pursue careers in universities, museums or government research agencies. Many graduates move directly into the workforce, building meaningful careers in public service, health care, nonprofits, business, law, education and cultural institutions.
UB anthropology graduates work across many sectors. Here are examples of industries and organizations where they build their careers.
*Industries based on the Anthropology Career Readiness Network (ACRN)
Archaeological fieldwork, heritage preservation, environmental impact assessments and collaboration with Tribal and descendant communities.
Example employers:
- AECOM
- Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc.
- Chronicle Heritage
- Gray and Pape
- URS Corporation (now part of AECOM)
- SWCA Environmental Consultants
- National Park Service
User experience research, community engagement, product design, project management, human resources, organizational development and technology research.
Example employers:
- Citigroup
- HSBC Bank
- Rich Products Corporation
- Xerox Corporation
Human remains identification for law enforcement, disaster response and human rights investigations.
Example employers:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- State and local medical examiner offices
- Erie County Medical Examiner's Office
- U.S. Department of Justice
- International Commission on Missing Persons
Policy analysis, community development, research, cultural resource management and public service.
Example employers:
- National Imagery and Mapping Agency
- National Park Service
- New York State Department of Labor
- New York State Division of Human Rights
- U.S. Air Force
- U.S. Department of Justice
- U.S. Department of Labor
- Veterans Administration
Community health programs, behavioral health research, emergency preparedness, communications and health policy.
Example employers:
- Cleveland Clinic
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
- National Board of Medical Examiners
- National Institutes of Health
- Veterans Administration
Advocacy, environmental justice work, social inequality research, public policy and cultural heritage law.
Example employers:
- New York State Division of Human Rights
- U.S. Department of Justice
Journalism, content development, writing, editing, video production and social media strategy.
Example employers:
- Random House
- Tribune Media Services International
Museum management, exhibit curation, artifact preservation, education programming, archival research and cultural heritage work.
Example employers:
- Amos Enos Gallery
- Buffalo Museum of Science
- Museum of International Folk Art
- National Park Service
- St. Louis Science Center
Community development, global development programs, fundraising and research addressing issues such as climate change, poverty and inequality.
Example employers:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Buffalo Urban League
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
- Journey’s End Refugee Services
Academic research, teaching, museum studies, administration and public scholarship.
Example employers:
- Buffalo Public Schools
- JSTOR
- National Council of Teachers
- National Institutes of Health
Considering teaching?
Earn your bachelor’s and master’s in five years through UB Teach and become eligible for New York State certification to teach grades 5 through 12.
The Career Design Center helps you explore options, build practical skills and take action on your goals. Whether you are just starting to think about what comes next or actively preparing for jobs or graduate school, you will find clear guidance and real opportunities to move forward.
What you can do at the Career Design Center:
- Meet one-on-one with a career design consultant
- Get support with job and internship searches and graduate school planning
- Use online tools for resumes, interviews, networking and exploring real-world challenges
- Attend job + Internship fairs, skillshops and networking events
- Gain access to thousands of jobs + internship postings on Bullseye powered by Handshake.
- Explore the Career Design Studio any time to discover tools, resources and ideas that help you plan your path.
The Department of Anthropology helps students plan for internships, study abroad and field schools that strengthen resumes and build professional confidence. These experiences give students real-world practice applying anthropological tools.
You can also explore professional organizations such as:
An anthropology degree can take you in many directions. At UB, you will gain the skills, experiences and support to turn curiosity into a career with purpose and flexibility.