Online Masters in Anthropology Degrees & Grad Schools

Online Masters in Anthropology​ Degree Online Program Information

If you have a passion for fieldwork, love traveling to new locations in order to learn about different cultures, and would find conducting research in a foreign language fascinating, enrolling in an Online Masters in Anthropology Program might be a great academic fit. Graduate students who have an interest in studying the humanities, social and natural sciences may find that earning a Masters in Anthropology may lead to a variety of interesting career paths. Some graduates jumpstart their careers as professional anthropologists, while others might pursue careers as archeologists, sociologists, geographers or teachers^[i].

What is an Online Masters in Anthropology Program?

Anthropology is defined as the study of humanity, and is divided into different branches^[ii]:

• Socio-Cultural anthropology studies the workings of societies.
• Linguistic anthropology studies the influence of languages
• Biological, or physical anthropology, studies the development of the human organism
• Archaeology

If you are drawn to work in research and academia, earning a master’s degree in Anthropology online could be the basis for advanced studies, such as a Ph.D. in Anthropology or Archaeology.  Entry-level education for jobs in this field is a Master’s Degree, so if you are looking ahead, the masters degree is your foundation^[iii].

Online Anthropology Masters Programs curricula may vary between schools, and be influenced by any specialization in anthropology, such as applied anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and socio-cultural anthropology. As a varied discipline, some of the topics of study might include:

• Biology
• Biomedicine
• Sociology
• Language
• History
• Political Science
• Economics
• Human Behavior

How do I find an Online Anthropology Masters Program?

GradSchools.com makes searching for an online masters program in anthropology easy to find. You can begin with a location search; simply use the tabs to enter a city, state or country, and determine schools where programs are offered. Then browse through and review your choices. Most Anthropology master’s degree programs are 2 years in duration, and include field research^[iv].

Potential Advantages to Online Anthropology Masters Programs

If you are a busy professional, earning an online anthropology masters degree can be a convenient way to balance your education with other factors in your timetable. Typically, distance learning requires you have a computer and Internet access, so you can log into your course management system from almost anywhere. The latest digital technology includes online research and study tools, and you stay connected to classmates and professors via email and group forums, so for some, this flexibility is a perfect learning format.

Potential Career Options for Online Masters in Anthropology Graduates

A master’s degree in Anthropology might prepare students to pursue a variety of career paths. Some of these might include:

• Anthropologists and Archeologists: Study the origin, development, and behavior of humans. They examine the cultures, languages, archeological remains and physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. According to the BLS, employment of both anthropologists and archeologists is projected to grow 19% from 2012 to 2022^[iii], making this a great time to earn your degree!
• Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers: The role of archivists is to appraise, edit, and maintain permanent records and historically valuable documents. The functions of curators involve overseeing collections of artwork and historic items, and may conduct public service activities for an institution. Museum technicians and conservators jobs involve preparing and restoring objects and documents in museum collections and exhibits^[v]. Some of the industries that employed the most professionals in these fields in the year 2012 are museums, historical sites, government, and educational services.^[vi].
• Geographers: Study the earth and its land, features and inhabitants; examine phenomena such as political and cultural structures and physical and human geographic characteristics of a region^[vii]. Most of the jobs held by geographers in 2012 were in the federal government; others worked in architectural, engineering, and related services, colleges, universities, and professional schools or were self-employed^[viii].
• Sociologists: Study society and social behavior by examining the groups, cultures, organizations, social institutions, and processes that people develop. Most sociology jobs require a master’s degree or PhD.[ix]. According to the BLS, the industries that employed the most sociologist in 2012 were colleges, universities, professional schools, research and development, local government (excluding education and hospitals) and management, scientific and technical consulting services^[x].
• Post-Secondary Teachers: Instruct students in a wide variety of subjects, conduct research, and publish scholarly findings in papers and books. Typically they have experience in the subjects they teach^[xi].
• Survey Researchers: Design surveys and analyze data to collect facts, such as employment and salary information, or they ask questions in order to understand people’s opinions, preferences, beliefs, or desires. Most technical research jobs in this field require a master’s degree^[xii].

Ready to pursue an Online Master’s in Anthropology Degree?

If you are someone who enjoys researching and collected information based on facts and observations, these skills coupled with an online master’s degree in anthropology might lead to a variety of interesting career paths. Start reviewing Online Anthropology Masters Programs on GradSchools.com to find the program that matches your goals and aspirations!

Sources: [i] onetonline.org/link/summary/19-3091.01 | [ii] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthropology | [iii]bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/anthropologists-and-archeologists.htm | [iv] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/anthropologists-and-archeologists.htm#tab-4 | [v] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/curators-museum-technicians-and-conservators.htm | [vi] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/curators-museum-technicians-and-conservators.htm#tab-3 | [vii] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geographers.htm | [viii] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geographers.htm#tab-3 | [ix] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/sociologists.htm | [x] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/sociologists.htm#tab-3 | [xi] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm | [xii] bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/survey-researchers.htm#tab-1