Why is Anthropology a good field to study?

What will happen if I study Anthropology/Archeology?

• Ok, so I have quite the dilema. I really love science in all shapes and forms, but I am particularly fond of Anthropology and Archeology because it interests me SO much. Honestly, I think my life would suck if I didn't have the opportunity to study within this field or at least persue a field like it. However, my dad keeps trying to get me to change my major because "it is not in demand". Now, I feel like I am very smart and I will excell in almost any field that suit my fancy, but of course there are a lot of people just as smart as me who have more experience so I do understand that this field would be extreamely competetive. What I need to know is, how soon out of college could I expect to have a job or at least a small amount of income? I realize that I won't get much with a bachelors degree, but if I were to persue my masters what could I do RIGHT OUT OF SCHOOL? Will I be stuck in limbo for a while I fail to search for careers or will I find a job soon? Should I just abandon my interests and persue a different field of study? If so, what fields would be close to this one? If you have been through all of this before please let me know how it worked out for you.

• Answer:

  Can you actually name a job outside of museum curator or teaching which would use that particular degree? Your dad is actually down playing the lack of demand for your major - far too many people study it because they find it interesting without any hopes of finding a job in their field. My best friend graduated with a degree in anthro - she works as an event planner. If you really want to go into teaching it's not bad, but make sure you have a second teachable subject. Remember that most degrees allow you to take elective courses (and even require it). Find a program which will let you take courses in anthropology or even minor in anthropology, but your dad is right - bachelors, masters, PhD - it doesn't matter; anthropology is not at all in demand. I faced the same dilema with music. Love music, know a career in music is near impossible. My music minor was a nice balance to my math/comp sci major. I enjoy math well enough but also got to experience university level music courses and take things of geniune interest but of no suitable purpose.