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Anthropology can be defined as the study of human behavior, language, history and culture. There is a misconception about anthropologists and it pertains to their job opportunities. It is commonly believed that anthropologists only work in museums or in education but truth is they are also hired by government entities and private businesses for better understanding of origin, development and behavior of humans. The knowledge of these professionals comes very handy in understanding human needs and behaviors. Organizations use the study of anthropologists in marketing and development projects. Their knowledge of forensic evidence proves very useful in criminal justice.
Anthropologists help us in analyzing finer details of varying customs and social trends of both ancient and modern civilizations. Anthropologists can specialize in several subjects. Some of the most common specializations chosen by anthropologists are biophysical, linguistic, socio cultural and archeological. As the names suggest, biophysical anthropologists specialize in studying early forms of human life and how the human body evolved whereas linguistic anthropologist figures out details of languages of different cultures and the ways in which these languages have changed over time. Similarly, socio cultural anthropological is concerned with examination of human groups in a variety of economical and geographical settings. This helps in gaining an understanding of how social lives and values have affected human growth. The last category is of archaeological anthropologists who enlighten us about ancient artifacts such as tools, jewelry, or buildings.
The job of an anthropologist demand constant traveling to different parts of the world. They also have to work under taxing physical conditions. Talking about education requirements for anthropologists, one needs to get a master degree in anthropology. That is the minimum eligibility. However, one can find high-paying jobs after completing his doctorate degree. Familiarity with subjects like communication, statistics and modern technological devices such as geographical information systems (GIS) proves very crucial in this job. The course curriculum for anthropologists usually includes subjects like archaeology, linguistics, history, economy and cultural change, development and fall of societies and economy etc. Great many universities in USA and UK offer courses in anthropology.
Talking about India, the minimum requirement to become a professional Anthropologist is a B.Sc in Anthropology for which one must complete 10+2 or equivalent with science subjects. But better career prospects will only emerge after completing M.Sc in Anthropology. One can also go for advanced studies like M.Phil and PhD in anthropology.
Anthropologists have a wide variety of career options available to them. They can look for opportunities in various government research institutes like Anthropological Survey of India, Planning Commission or for international agencies like WHO, UNESCO and UNICEF who constantly need qualified and experienced anthropologists to conduct research activities. Furthermore, one can seek employment opportunities in museums, art galleries, libraries and archives.
Indian colleges and universities offering courses ( B.Sc/M.Sc) in Anthropology are;
University of Delhi,
University of Calcutta,
Visva Bharati University, West Bengal,
Sri Venkateswara University, Andhra Pradesh
University of Allahabad,
Sambalpur University, Orissa,
Pune University,
Bangalore University,
Vidyasagar University, West Bengal,
University of Rajashthan,
North Eastern Hill University, Meghalaya,
University of Mumbai,
Vinoba Bhave University, Jharkhand and
Utkal University, Orissa
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