Anthropology at WGU
Are You Looking To Enroll in an Anthropology Degree Program?
WGU doesn't currently offer an online anthropology degree. However, students who are interested in people and culture might also enjoy the education and relevant skills obtained from other degrees at WGU, such as human resources, management and leadership, or teaching.
Many careers fall under the subfields of anthropology, but generally speaking anthropologists study the origins, culture, languages, archaeological remains, and behavior of people across the world through time. There are multiple disciplines within the science of anthropology: economic anthropology, sociocultural anthropology, psychological anthropology, and social anthropology, to name a few. To become an anthropologist, you need a bachelor’s degree in anthropology or a related degree within the social sciences field as well as a master’s degree or Ph.D. in anthropology or archaeology. Fortunately, there are all kinds of career options similar to anthropology that don’t require such an extensive education but still allow you to use your interest in people within other professional contexts.
If you’re drawn to studying people and cultures, and are just starting your career, you might consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human resources. While an HR degree is a great fit for someone wanting to learn more about people within a business setting, it will not alone land you a career as an anthropologist. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in human resources, anthropology, or a related field and you wish to pursue an advanced position, consider earning your master’s degree in management and leadership. This degree will endow you with a wide business knowledge that will give you an advantage when applying for high-level or leadership roles in nearly any field. This degree will also make you eligible for many diverse roles and will give you a leg up in building your career.
Needed Skills for Anthropologists
Anthropologists perform many professional duties that demand a wide array of skills and talents. Some of the most common ones you would learn in an anthropology class include:
- Written communication
- Analytical and critical skills
- The ability to gather, assess, and interpret data
- Oral communication and presentation skills
- Time management
- Discussion and group work skills
- Statistical and computing techniques
- Clear, logical, and independent thinking
- Organization and planning
- Problem-solving
- The ability to construct an argument
Pathways to Careers Similar to Anthropology
Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
If anthropology interests you, a bachelor's degree in human resources will make you eligible for a number of careers that align with your professional goals. This program teaches students how to be successful at connecting with employees and helping them thrive, managing company policies, recruiting and coordinating new employees, shaping company culture, administering benefits, setting policies, and serving as business partners to the organization's leaders. Many people-focused careers are available to those who have an HR bachelor's degree.
Some common careers you can hold with a bachelor’s in HR:
- Employment specialist
- Recruiter
- Recruitment manager
- HR assistant
- HR coordinator
- HR specialist
- HR generalist
- HR manager
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
A bachelor's degree in psychology opens rewarding career opportunities that utilize evidence-based strategies that address real psychosocial issues. This advanced program prepares students that plan to pursue further education to become a therapist or begin their careers after finishing the degree. Through courses in theories of personality, psycopathology, substance abuse and addiction, neuropsychology, as well as mental health awareness and education, you'll acquire the necessary skills to make a positive impact on others in roles like:
- Behavior technician
- Market research analyst
- Psychiatric technician
- Academic advisor
- Social services specialist
- Patient navigator
- User researcher
Master’s Degree in English Teaching
If you’re passionate about English literature, poetry, creative writing, and language, a master’s degree in English teaching could be a great career move. Not only does this give you the opportunity to introduce world and historical cultures to students while using research skills, it also allows you to make an important impact on young people. WGU’s online English education master's degree prepares you to earn a teaching license and start a fulfilling career. Your courses will cover:
- English pedagogy
- Foundations of education
- Schools as communities of care
- Essential practices for supporting diverse learners
- Creating and managing engaging learning environments
- Curriculum, instruction, and assessment
- Assessing student learning
- Using educational technology for teaching and learning
- And more
Master of Science in Management and Leadership
The management and leadership master’s degree at WGU is an excellent next step for any student looking to advance their career. In this program, students learn how to manage organizations, lead people effectively and ethically, innovate, implement new strategies, and make real change wherever they see the need.
A master’s degree in management and leadership can help those who have studied anthropology or want to work with people focus on management and leadership skills, which will open new career options such as:
- Market researcher
- Business anthropologist
- Business manager
- Project manager
- Executive recruiter
- C-level executive
- Human resources officer
- Product manager
Master of Science in Human Resource Management
A master's degree in human resource management opens rewarding career opportunities that align with your passion for understanding people and cultures. This advanced program equips students with the expertise to connect with employees, nurture their growth, manage HR policies, and foster an inclusive workplace. Through courses in talent acquisition and development, communications, people analytics, and HR compliance, you'll acquire the necessary skills to make a positive impact on employees and within organizations in roles such as:
- HR Specialist
- HR Generalist
- HR Manager
- Director of HR
- VP of People and Culture
- VP of HR
- Talent Acquisition Manager
- Learning and Development Manager
- Chief HR Officer
- DE&I Manager
- HR Compliance Specialist
- Employment Law Specialist
$62,290
is the median salary for HR specialists.
$126,230
is the median salary for HR managers.
$61,820
is the median salary for high school teachers.
Careers Similar to Anthropology
If you’re interested in a career in anthropology, keep in mind there are many roles you can work in with either an anthropology major or a human resources major. Some popular options include:
- Equality, diversity, and inclusion officer
- Higher education lecturer
- Human resources officer
- Museum/gallery curator
- Public relations officer
- Social worker
- UX researcher
- Charity officer
- Community development worker
- International aid/development worker
- Local government officer
- Market researcher
9%
projected job growth for HR specialists and managers from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Why Choose WGU?
WGU is dedicated to helping you achieve your educational goals by providing flexible, online degree programs that fit your busy lifestyle. And that’s just the beginning. Here are more reasons a WGU degree is a smart choice.
- Low, flat-rate tuition means that no matter how many classes you take in a six-month term, the cost to you is always the same.
- Competency-based education allows you to use your prior knowledge to move through coursework at the pace best suited for you. Complete courses as quickly as you master the material to potentially graduate faster and save money.
- Scholarships and financial aid options help students pursue their dreams. WGU’s already-affordable tuition makes college accessible for even more students.
- Career-focused curriculum. Our degree programs are designed with your employment and success in mind. The skills you learn will translate directly to your work post-graduation.
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.
100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
97% of employers said that they would hire another WGU grad.*
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.*
Business
Human Resource Management – B.S. Business Administration
A SHRM-recognized online business degree program:...
A SHRM-recognized online business degree program:
- Time: 65% of graduates finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 41 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Agile project management
- Employment and labor laws
- Recruiting strategies
- HR technology
- DE&I understanding
Earn your B.S. in Human Resources and help build strong organizations.
Business
Human Resource Management – M.S.
A SHRM-recognized master's degree in human resource management...
A SHRM-recognized master's degree in human resource management
- Time: 61% of graduates finish this program within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program include:
- Performance Management
- Communication
- Management
- Planning
- Talent Acquisition
- Human Resource Information System (HRIS)
Earn your M.S. in Human Resources and help companies create excellent cultures.
Business
Management and Leadership – M.S.
An online master's degree focused on change management, innovation, and...
An online master's degree focused on change management, innovation, and leading teams:
- Time: 60% of graduates can finish in 17 months.
- Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé that this program will teach you:
- Leadership
- Management
- Coordinating
- Communications
- Performance Management
- Planning
Develop a comprehensive suite of leadership skills and your confidence to navigate changing business structures.
Education
Teaching, English Education (Secondary) – M.A.
An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for...
An online teaching master's degree and teacher certification program for aspiring middle or high school English teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.
Leads to teacher licensure. Specific grade levels will vary depending on licensure in your state.
- Time: 63% of students finish this online English degree program within 21 months.
- Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 17 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- English Pedagogy
- Reading Instruction and Interventions
- Disciplinary Literacy
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
This online English degree prepares students for teaching certification in any of the 50 states.
