It's tough to argue with increased money
for science education. So when Florida Governor Rick Scott was making a
case for his plan to shift higher education funding away from social
sciences toward science and technology, he probably thought he had his
bases covered.
While his plan will move money from a wide range of programs, including psychology, Scott focused on another specialty for his speeches on the subject: anthropology. After all, other than a few stodgy college professors, who on earth works as an anthropologist? When Scott singled out anthropology as an example of why higher education should be reformed, he may have thought no one would care enough to be offended. Turns out, the 11,000 member American Anthropological Association was paying attention.
AAA to governor: Anthropologists pursue varied career paths
In an interview with the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Scott reportedly said he didn't see much of a future for anthropology in Florida.
"Is it a vital interest of the state to have more anthropologists? I don't think so," he was quoted as saying.
Then, in a luncheon appearance, he restated his belief that anthropology isn't a funding priority.
"Do you want to use your tax dollars to educate more people who can't get jobs in anthropology? I don't," he said.
Scott's comments didn't go unnoticed by either anthropologists or the American Anthropological Association. Angry letters and editorials appeared in the Herald-Times decrying the governor's comments. Meanwhile, the AAA sent a letter directly to Scott that kindly implied he didn't know what he was talking about.
"Perhaps you are unaware that anthropologists are leaders in our nation's top science fields," the letter read, "making groundbreaking discoveries in areas as varied as public health, human genetics, legal history, bilingualism, the African American heritage and infant learning."
The letter, signed by association President Virginia Dominguez and Executive Director William Davis, also pointed out that anthropology isn't simply the study of dead civilizations. Instead, the discipline studies human cultures of both the past and present.
The facts about anthropology careers
According to data supplied by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Scott may be off-base in his assertion that anthropology jobs are hard to find. Rather than being a dying occupation, anthropologists are expected to be in demand during the next decade. From 2008-2018, jobs for anthropologists and archaeologists are expected to grow 28 percent.
While a bachelor's degree in anthropology may lead to some entry-level positions, the BLS indicates a master's or doctoral degree is needed for most jobs in the field. In February 2011, the AAA released a report regarding the career experiences of those with a master's degree in anthropology. The report found 75 percent of master's degree holders agreed their degree plays a significantly role in their overall career satisfaction. In addition, 64 percent of those with a master's degree in anthropology found a job within 12 months of graduation.
The AAA also found employment for anthropology graduates is focused in academic institutions as well as consulting firms and state and local governments. Meanwhile, the BLS reports the best prospects for future employment for anthropology majors may be with management, scientific and consulting firms.
Anthropology education and income
For those interested in an anthropology career, the AAA report offers insight into what potential students should consider in a degree program. According to those surveyed, the most beneficial components of their curriculum were training in:
So it turns out that a degree in anthropology might not be such a bad bet after all. With good salary potential and increasing job opportunities, anthropology is proving it is not a dead career path.
Of course, all this shouldn't be a surprise to Florida's governor. Turns out, Scott's daughter graduated from the College of William & Mary with a degree in anthropology.
While his plan will move money from a wide range of programs, including psychology, Scott focused on another specialty for his speeches on the subject: anthropology. After all, other than a few stodgy college professors, who on earth works as an anthropologist? When Scott singled out anthropology as an example of why higher education should be reformed, he may have thought no one would care enough to be offended. Turns out, the 11,000 member American Anthropological Association was paying attention.
AAA to governor: Anthropologists pursue varied career paths
In an interview with the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Scott reportedly said he didn't see much of a future for anthropology in Florida.
"Is it a vital interest of the state to have more anthropologists? I don't think so," he was quoted as saying.
Then, in a luncheon appearance, he restated his belief that anthropology isn't a funding priority.
"Do you want to use your tax dollars to educate more people who can't get jobs in anthropology? I don't," he said.
Scott's comments didn't go unnoticed by either anthropologists or the American Anthropological Association. Angry letters and editorials appeared in the Herald-Times decrying the governor's comments. Meanwhile, the AAA sent a letter directly to Scott that kindly implied he didn't know what he was talking about.
"Perhaps you are unaware that anthropologists are leaders in our nation's top science fields," the letter read, "making groundbreaking discoveries in areas as varied as public health, human genetics, legal history, bilingualism, the African American heritage and infant learning."
The letter, signed by association President Virginia Dominguez and Executive Director William Davis, also pointed out that anthropology isn't simply the study of dead civilizations. Instead, the discipline studies human cultures of both the past and present.
The facts about anthropology careers
According to data supplied by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Scott may be off-base in his assertion that anthropology jobs are hard to find. Rather than being a dying occupation, anthropologists are expected to be in demand during the next decade. From 2008-2018, jobs for anthropologists and archaeologists are expected to grow 28 percent.
While a bachelor's degree in anthropology may lead to some entry-level positions, the BLS indicates a master's or doctoral degree is needed for most jobs in the field. In February 2011, the AAA released a report regarding the career experiences of those with a master's degree in anthropology. The report found 75 percent of master's degree holders agreed their degree plays a significantly role in their overall career satisfaction. In addition, 64 percent of those with a master's degree in anthropology found a job within 12 months of graduation.
The AAA also found employment for anthropology graduates is focused in academic institutions as well as consulting firms and state and local governments. Meanwhile, the BLS reports the best prospects for future employment for anthropology majors may be with management, scientific and consulting firms.
Anthropology education and income
For those interested in an anthropology career, the AAA report offers insight into what potential students should consider in a degree program. According to those surveyed, the most beneficial components of their curriculum were training in:
- Qualitative skills
- Technical writing
- Case studies and readings
- Project design, development and management
- Anthropological and archaeological theory
So it turns out that a degree in anthropology might not be such a bad bet after all. With good salary potential and increasing job opportunities, anthropology is proving it is not a dead career path.
Of course, all this shouldn't be a surprise to Florida's governor. Turns out, Scott's daughter graduated from the College of William & Mary with a degree in anthropology.
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