Anthropology and Archaeology Professors
Overview
Anthropology and archaeology professors teach college students about human cultures, ancient civilizations, and how people lived throughout history. They create engaging courses, conduct exciting research on everything from ancient artifacts to modern societies, and help students plan their academic journey. These professors use cutting-edge technology like 3D modeling and virtual reality to bring the past to life, while also teaching through online platforms and hybrid classrooms. The job combines detective work, storytelling, and mentoring, requiring strong research skills and often a PhD in anthropology or archaeology.

Did you know?
Most postsecondary teaching positions in anthropology and archaeology require a PhD, with some community colleges accepting Master's degrees for adjunct roles.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$91,129.68 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Science
Key Responsibilities
- Write letters of recommendation for students.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
- Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
- Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
- Hire new faculty.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Conduct ethnographic field research.
- Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
- Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks and laboratory equipment.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
- Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
- Supervise students' laboratory or field work.
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- Advise students on academic and vocational curricula, career issues, and laboratory and field research.
- Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and present findings in professional journals, books, electronic media, or at professional conferences.
- Participate in campus and community events.
- Write grant proposals to procure external research funding and review others' grant proposals.
- Act as advisers to student organizations.
- Review manuscripts for publication in books and professional journals.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as research methods, urban anthropology, and language and culture.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Career Considerations
Advanced Degree Requirements
Most postsecondary teaching positions in anthropology and archaeology require a PhD, with some community colleges accepting Master's degrees for adjunct roles.
Highly Competitive Job Market
Academic positions are extremely competitive, with many qualified candidates competing for limited tenure-track openings at American universities.
Research and Publication Expectations
Success in American academia requires active research, regular publication in peer-reviewed journals, and often securing external grant funding.