CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Students can acquire a considerable amount of information about anthropology from the websites of the major professional anthropology organizations. Many of these websites also include valuable career information.

APPLIED ANTHROPOLOGY

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PRACTICING ANTHROPOLOGISTS

“The purpose of NAPA shall be to represent the practice of anthropology and the interests of practicing anthropologists within the American Anthropological Association, to other organizations, and to the general public, and to further the practice of anthropology as a profession.”

SOCIETY FOR APPLIED ANTHROPOLOGY

“The Society for Applied Anthropology aspires to promote the integration of anthropological perspectives and methods in solving human problems throughout the world; to advocate for fair and just public policy based upon sound research; to promote public recognition of anthropology as a profession; and to support the continuing professionalization of the field. The Society pursues its mission and purpose by
(1) communicating theories, research methods, results, and case examples through its publications and annual meetings;
(2) recommending curriculum for the education of applied anthropologists and other applied social scientists at all levels;
(3) promoting and conducting professional development programs; and
(4) expressing its members' interests-- and anthropological approaches in general--to the public, government agencies, and other professional associations.
Through these activities, the Society strives to be a premier professional organization for anthropologists and other applied social scientists and with colleagues throughout the world.”

WASHINGTON ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL ANTHROPOLOGISTS

“The Washington Association of Professional Anthropologists (WAPA) is the oldest and largest regional association of professional anthropologists in the world today. Founded in 1976, WAPA serves as a resource, and a social and career development center for anthropologists seeking to apply their knowledge and skills to practical problems for the betterment of society.”

ARCHAEOLOGY

SOCIETY FOR AMERICAN ARCHAEOLOGY

“The Society for American Archaeology (SAA) is an international organization dedicated to the research, interpretation, and protection of the archaeological heritage of the Americas. With more than 6,600 members, the society represents professional, student, and avocational archaeologists working in a variety of settings including government agencies, colleges and universities, museums, and the private sector.

Since its inception in 1934, SAA has endeavored to stimulate interest and research in American archaeology; advocated and aid in the conservation of archaeological resources; encourage public access to and appreciation of archaeology; oppose all looting of sites and the purchase and sale of looted archaeological materials; and serve as a bond among those interested in the archaeology of the Americas.”

SOCIETY FOR HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY

"Formed in 1967, the Society for Historical Archaeology (SHA) is the largest scholarly group concerned with the archaeology of the modern world (A.D. 1400-present). The main focus of the society is the era since the beginning of European exploration. SHA promotes scholarly research and the dissemination of knowledge concerning historical archaeology. The society is specifically concerned with the identification, excavation, interpretation, and conservation of sites and materials on land and underwater. Geographically the society emphasizes the New World, but also includes European exploration and settlement in Africa, Asia, and Oceania."

BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ANTHROPOLOGICAL GENETICS

“The American Association of Anthropological Genetics (AAAG), an educational and scientific organization, was founded in 1994. AAAG aims to:
1. promote the study of anthropological genetics, as this field is broadly defined;
2. facilitate communication between individuals engaged in the study of anthropological genetics; and
3. foster cooperation among anthropological geneticists.”

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGISTS

“Physical anthropology is a biological science that deals with the adaptations, variability, and evolution of human beings and their living and fossil relatives. Because it studies human biology in the context of human culture and behavior, physical anthropology is also a social science.

The AAPA is the world's leading professional organization for physical anthropologists. Formed by 83 charter members in 1930, the AAPA now has an international membership of over 1,700. The Association's annual meetings draw more than a thousand scientists and students from all over the world.”

HUMAN BIOLOGY ASSOCIATION

“The mission of the Human Biology Association is to advance the understanding human biological variation, to enhance the training of professional human biologists, and to foster a better comprehension of the scope of human biology among scientific professionals and the public. To meet this mission, the Association promotes education, discussion, integration and dissemination of research on all aspects of human biological variation through annual scientific meetings and periodic publications.”

GENERAL ANTHROPOLOGY

AMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION

“The American Anthropological Association (AAA), the primary professional society of anthropologists in the United States since its founding in 1902, is the world's largest professional organization of individuals interested in anthropology.”
“The purposes of the Association shall be to advance anthropology as the science that studies humankind in all its aspects, through archeological, biological, ethnological, and linguistic research; and to further the professional interests of American anthropologists; including the dissemination of anthropological knowledge and its use to solve human problems.”