What can you do with a Physical and Biological Anthropology degree?

First, some facts. Of the Physical and Biological Anthropology graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 70 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Bad. Overall, with an average relevance score of 42%, Physical and Biological Anthropology graduates have a substantially lower likelihood (-25%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 42%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 55% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Physical and Biological Anthropology graduate.

See the details:

View a random Physical and Biological Anthropology graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 50%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2014 from University of California, Riverside with a Bachelor of Applied Science - BASc in Physical and Biological Anthropology. Also pursued further education since (see below).

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
RCP
MemorialCare Miller Childrens & Womens Hospital Long Beach
Dec 2021 - Present
The role of RCP (Respiratory Care Practitioner) at a children's hospital may utilize some knowledge of human biology and anatomical concepts relevant to anthropology, but it does not require expertise in physical and biological anthropology as a core qualification.

FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING
Associate's degree
Mt. San Antonio College
2016 - 2020
ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Physical and Biological Anthropology degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


After sifting through a myriad of LinkedIn profiles from graduates in Physical and Biological Anthropology, it's evident that while many individuals have found jobs loosely connected to their degree, a significant portion are not directly relevant to the field. A common thread among these graduates is the pursuit of roles in customer service, management, and education. Occupations such as serving at restaurants, being an admissions representative, and acting as a manager in various settings seem to dominate the data. While these positions can utilize certain interpersonal skills that might be aligned with some anthropological ideas, they generally lack the core competencies linked to the study of physical and biological anthropology.

On the other hand, there are notable exceptions where graduates have successfully translated their anthropology education into careers that significantly engage their field of study. Roles such as Lab Technicians, Behavior Technicians, Dental positions, and researchers highlight where the knowledge gained from their degree can be practically applied. Additionally, internships within laboratories and anthropological research settings have been pivotal in providing hands-on experience that prepares graduates for careers directly aligned with their academic focus. It appears that while many graduates venture into diverse sectors, the work most closely related to Physical and Biological Anthropology often exists in specialized roles that leverage their scientific and analytical training. Overall, although some graduates have found relevant jobs, many either end up in roles far removed from their academic background or utilize only a fraction of their anthropological training in their current positions.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Physical and Biological Anthropology graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Physical and Biological Anthropology graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When looking at the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Physical and Biological Anthropology, it becomes apparent that there’s quite a mix of outcomes. Many of these individuals have varied paths that often lead them far from the core of anthropology, while others manage to land roles that tie closely to their field of study. Right after graduation, it seems that many graduates take on entry-level positions that don’t necessarily reflect their academic focus. For example, jobs like server, admissions representative, and retail management seemed more prevalent among the early career stages. This trend indicates that while these graduates might have a solid educational foundation, they often face challenges when trying to secure jobs directly related to their field right out of the gate.

As we look further down the line, say five to ten years post-graduation, there's a noticeable shift for some individuals into roles that appear to be more aligned with health and human services, education, or even various managerial positions. For instance, some become educators, medical technicians, or even dive into roles in health care and public health initiatives. However, there’s also a significant number who continue to work in fields that are not closely connected to anthropology, such as banking, retail management, or even roles like project management in non-anthropological contexts. This suggests that while some graduates find their niche, many drift into unrelated careers, which can be a tough reality check considering their specialized education.

Overall, the path after graduating with a degree in Physical and Biological Anthropology can vary widely. Some end up finding fulfilling careers that relate back to their passion for anthropology or biological sciences, while others can end up in jobs that seem disconnected from their studies. So, while it’s clear there are some successes, it’s also fair to say that many graduates might feel their potential wasn't fully realized in the job market, leading to a mix of satisfaction and frustration in their professional journeys.

How hard is a Physical and Biological Anthropology degree?

Honestly, a Bachelor's degree in Physical and Biological Anthropology can be a bit challenging but not overwhelmingly hard if you’re genuinely interested in the subject. It often combines a mix of biology, archaeology, and cultural studies, which means you'll be diving into both the scientific and social aspects of humans and their evolution. You’ll have to deal with some tough concepts in genetics, human anatomy, and statistics, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, it can be really rewarding. It’s probably about average in terms of difficulty—definitely not a walk in the park, but if you're curious and engaged, you'll find your groove!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Physical and Biological Anthropology.

Do Physical and Biological Anthropology graduates tend to make good money?

When looking at the careers of these Physical and Biological Anthropology graduates, it's clear that their earnings vary quite a bit. Some have managed to secure solid positions that likely offer decent salaries, especially the graduates who have landed roles in healthcare or financial services, like the dental and banking professionals, or those working in project management. On the flip side, others have jobs that don't seem to pay as much, especially those starting out in entry-level positions or those in education and conservation roles. For instance, the individual from East Tennessee State University working as a dating specialist probably isn’t raking in a lot compared to others in more stable, high-demand careers.

Overall, while some of these graduates have certainly found lucrative paths post-college, others are still climbing the ladder or are potentially underemployed, which is pretty common in fields like anthropology. It really depends on the specific industry and the roles they've snagged. So, if you’re thinking about pursuing a degree in physical or biological anthropology, be aware that it might be wise to look into the kinds of jobs available in your desired field to ensure you’re set up for a comfortable financial future!

What buzzwords do Physical and Biological Anthropology graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Physical and Biological Anthropology. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Physical and Biological Anthropology?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Physical and Biological Anthropology (ordered by the average relevance score of their Physical and Biological Anthropology graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count