Anthropology/Archaeology Professor

Anthropology Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor
Job Description

An Anthropology/Archaeology Professor is an academic professional specializing in the study of human societies, cultures, and their development. They focus on teaching and researching the physical, social, and cultural aspects of humans, both past and present.

Typical Preparation

Education: Doctoral or professional degree

Years in related career: None

On-the-job training: None

Outlook

Projected Growth: 4.0% (above average)

Annual job openings: 500

Direct AI exposure: 18% of tasks

Potential AI exposure: 63% of tasks

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is College and Other Vocational Instructors. According to the wage tables, average income is $94K per year.
Bottom 10%Bottom 25%Median (average)Top 25%Top 10%
$50K
per year
$68K
per year
$94K
per year
$113K
per year
$153K
per year
Compared to other careers: Median is $29K above the national average.

What does an Anthropology/Archeology Professor do?

Intro video

(less than 2 minutes)

Duties

  • Teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in anthropology and archaeology.
  • Conducts fieldwork and research to gather data and artifacts.
  • Publishes research findings in academic journals.
  • Supervises student research and field projects.
  • Participates in academic committees and contributes to curriculum development.

Work environment

These professors typically work in colleges and universities, where they teach in classrooms, conduct research in laboratories, and may participate in fieldwork. Their work environment also includes academic conferences, seminars, and sometimes archaeological sites for research purposes.

Typical Schedule

Areas of specialization

  • Cultural Anthropology: Studying contemporary cultures and societies.
  • Physical/Biological Anthropology: Focusing on the biological and evolutionary aspects of humans.
  • Archaeology: Examining past human societies through material remains.
  • Linguistic Anthropology: Exploring the relationship between language and culture.
  • Forensic Anthropology: Applying anthropological methods to legal cases.

Description

Anthropology and Archaeology Professors are integral to the understanding of human history and culture. They combine teaching with research, often incorporating fieldwork as a crucial part of their scholarly activity. This role requires not only a deep understanding of human history and cultural practices but also the ability to convey this knowledge to students in an engaging and informative manner.

Their research can vary widely, from excavating ancient sites to studying modern cultures and languages. This research is vital for adding to our understanding of human history, cultural diversity, and social structures. Professors in this field often publish their findings in academic journals, contributing to the broader field of anthropology and archaeology.

In addition to their roles as educators and researchers, these professors engage in various academic service activities, such as advising students, developing curricula, and serving on university committees. They may also participate in public outreach, helping to increase public awareness and understanding of anthropological and archaeological findings.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

You might make a good Anthropology/Archeology Professor if you are...

Pros:

  • Intellectual fulfillment from studying diverse aspects of human life.
  • Opportunities for fieldwork and travel to various archaeological sites.
  • Engaging in interdisciplinary work that combines history, sociology, linguistics, and more.

Cons:

  • The academic job market can be competitive.
  • Balancing teaching, research, and fieldwork can be challenging.
  • Fieldwork can sometimes be physically demanding and require extended periods away from home.

How to become an Anthropology/Archeology Professor

Typical education

To become an Anthropology/Archaeology Professor, a Ph.D. in Anthropology or Archaeology is generally required, involving around 8-10 years of post-secondary education, including undergraduate and graduate studies.

High school preparation

Courses:

  • History and Social Studies to build a foundation in understanding human societies.
  • Sciences like Biology and Geography for a well-rounded understanding of human evolution and environments.
  • Language Arts to develop skills in communication and analysis.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

  • Participate in history or anthropology clubs.
  • Volunteer at museums or historical sites.
  • Engage in travel or cultural exchange programs to gain exposure to different cultures.

Preparation after high school

  • Pursue a bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a related field.
  • Participate in fieldwork opportunities and internships.
  • Pursue a master's degree and Ph.D. in Anthropology or Archaeology, focusing on a specific area of interest.
  • Gain experience in research methods and academic writing.

More resources

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