Overview

Biological anthropologists study human biology and evolution and work in a variety of settings, including universities, primate research centers, laboratories, sanctuaries and zoos. Primatologists study non-human primates, including lemurs, monkeys and apes, to learn about their behavior and evolution, to place human evolution in context, and to aid conservation efforts.

Career Pathways

  • Primate conservation
  • Integrated conservation and development
  • Public health
  • Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Allied health professions
  • Biomedical sciences
  • Graduate study in biological anthropology or allied disciplines
  • Secondary and higher education

Recommended Pathway Courses

Core Requirements

  • Anth 101 Introduction to Biological Anthropology
  • Anth 102 Introduction to Archaeology
  • Anth 103 Introduction to Social/Cultural Anthropology
  • If you're earning the B.S.: Stat 244 Introduction to Probability and Statistics II
  • If you're earning the B.A.: Ling 232 Language and Society OR Ling 233 Language and Mind OR Ling 390 Introduction to Linguistics
  • Anth 304 Social Theory OR Anth 305 Culture and Power
  • Anth 345 Practicing Anthropology
  • Anth 350 Archaeological Method and Theory
  • Anth 373 Primate Ecology and Behavior

B.A. majors must also complete two years of a foreign language or demonstrate equivalent proficiency.

Recommended Anthropology Electives

  • Anth 372 Human Variation
  • Anth 472 The Roots of Human Biology
  • Anth 473 Primatology
  • Anth 477 Primatology Field Methods (Alternative: Anth 478 Human Osteology)
  • Anth 457 Archaeology of Hunter-Gatherers (Alternative: Anth 418 Environmental Anthropology)

Recommended Non-Anthropology Electives

  • ESM 356U Understanding Environmental Sustainability II (Alternative: ESM 443 Global Environmental Economics)
  • Bi 358 Evolution
  • Bi 429 Conservation Biology
  • Bi 440 Evolutionary Medicine

Internship Opportunities

Organization NamePaid or UnpaidLocation
Center for Great ApesUnpaidWauchula, Florida
Chimp HavenUnpaidKeithville, Louisiana
Fauna ForeverUnpaidPeru
Fauna SanctuaryUnpaidMontreal, Quebec
Jungle Friends Primate SanctuaryVariesGainesville, Florida
Lemur Conservation FoundationUnpaid (housing provided)Myakka, Florida
Lilongwe Wildlife TrustUnpaidLilongwe, Malawi
Oregon ZooMostly unpaid positionsPortland, Oregon
Pacific Primate SanctuaryUnpaid (housing provided)Maui, Hawaii
Para La TierraUnpaidParaguay
Primate Rescue CenterUnpaidNicholasville, Kentucky
Project ChimpsUnpaidBlue Ridge, Georgia

Field Schools