Anthropology FAQs
-
Four concentrations: general anthropology, archaeology, cultural and ethnic diversity, and forensic and biological anthropology. A fifth concentration — linguistic anthropology — has its own product page.
-
Graduates go into museum work, cultural resource management, government agencies, nonprofits, public health, education, law, and social services — as well as graduate programs in anthropology, law, medicine, and public policy.
-
The Montana Anthropology Student Association (MASA) is the largest anthropology student group in the Northwest, offering lectures, workshops, and networking. Students also pursue independent research and can apply for department scholarships including the Jocelyn MacDonald Barker and Roderick S. Smith scholarships.
-
UM offers an M.A. in Anthropology with concentrations in cultural heritage, forensic and biological anthropology, and linguistics — as well as a Ph.D. in Anthropology with a concentration in cultural heritage and applied anthropology.
-
The forensic and biological anthropology concentration provides foundational training in physical anthropology, skeletal biology, and forensic science — excellent preparation for graduate programs in forensic science, physical anthropology, and related fields.
$70,121
average salary of UM alumni with anthropology bachelor’s degree
1st
The Montana Anthropology Student Association (MASA) is the Northwest’s largest anthropology student group
What can you do with an anthropology degree?
UM's anthropology majors gain critical thinking and research skills that can be apply to many different careers after graduation.
Anthropology jobs
UM graduates with a bachelor's degree in anthropology work in a variety of positions, including:
- Archaeologist
- Geographic Information Systems Specialist
- Human Resources Manager
- Language Teacher
- Project Surveyor
- Registered Professional Land Surveyor
- Environmental Health Technician
- Cultural Resource Specialist
- Software Engineer
- Visitor Experience Associate
- Corporate Communications Specialist
- Behavioral Health Technician
- Victim Advocate
- Research Analyst
- Health Information Technician
- Research Associate
- Curator
Anthropology employers
UM graduates with a bachelor's degree in anthropology work for a variety of employers, including:
- U.S. Forest Service
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- USDA
- State of Montana
- Bureau of Land Management
- Historical Research Associates, Inc.
- Adidas
- Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
- Brooke Army Medical Center
- AEON Corporation
- Summit Envirosolutions
- International Rescue Committee
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Anthropology salaries
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2025 the national average salary for anthropologists and archeologists with a master's degree was $70,770 per year. The average salary for archivists, curators and museum workers is $60,330. Employment of anthropologists and archeologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
Explore classes for the anthropology degree
Coursework in this program explores topics such as anthropological theory, human adaptation and diversity, statistics and research methods. Examples of courses include Anthropology for Majors: Understanding the Four-Field Approach, Anthropological Museology, Ancient Migrations, Archaeology of Yellowstone, and Cultural Resource Management.