Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Anthropology Professor
What anthropology professors actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an anthropology professor?
Teach intro cultural anthropology. From there, the day usually includes teach anthropology courses, lead field schools, and conduct fieldwork. Summers often involve fieldwork or field schools.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an anthropology professor working full time.
- Teach intro cultural anthropology.
- Hold office hours.
- Analyze interview transcripts.
- Teach an archaeology lab on artifacts.
- Meet graduate students.
- Plan a summer field school.
- Write a book chapter.
Where anthropology professors work
Faculty work in classrooms, labs, museums and field sites around the world.
Hours and schedule
Summers often involve fieldwork or field schools.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Teach anthropology courses
- Lead field schools
- Conduct fieldwork
- Analyze artifacts or interviews
- Mentor students
- Publish research
- Serve on committees
Tools you’ll use every day
- Field notebooks
- Excavation tools
- Qualitative analysis software
- GIS
- Learning management systems
- Museum collections
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Fascinating subject
- Fieldwork travel
- Research freedom
- Cross-cultural learning
What’s hard
- Few positions
- Funding challenges
- Long training
- Fieldwork logistics
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I’m fascinated by cultures
- I want to do fieldwork
- I enjoy teaching
- I like writing
- I respect different ways of life
- I’m willing to earn a doctorate
Not sure? Take the free Anthropology Professor fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow fieldwork safety plans
- Get informed consent
- Respect cultural heritage laws
- Protect student privacy