switching fields

[pandoraparabola]

Hi all

Comments

[captiv8ed]

I am applying to sociology programs and they have all said that a background in sociology isn't required. Some require social science backgrounds, but if that is the case for anthro, you would be covered. So you may not need more courses. As long as you have professors in the social sciences who can write strong letters about your academic abilities, research capabilities, and chance of success at graduate level work, you should be fine, I would think.

[pandoraparabola]

Congrats on applying for Sociology programs- I took a few SOC courses and greatly enjoyed them.
I do have some strong letter writers so I think I'll be okay in that regard- thanks for the words of encouragement! I would feel more confident if I had an undergrad degree in Anthro, but I'm trying not to stay on that train of thought because it is futile. I appreciate your input and best of luck in your apps.

[anonymous]

What sub field of bioanth? Primatology? Paleoanthropology? Medical Anthropology? I can try and help with more specific suggestions if you can narrow that down a bit.

Bio-anth isn't like Sociocult. anth where you could easily transition from a degree like Gender studies without extra work. But you may be able to avoid classes by volunteering in a lab, a zoo, signing up for summer fieldwork, etc. I'm also guessing that you'll want to do an MA before a PhD to help yourself transition.

[pandoraparabola]

Thank you, I'm specifically interested in Primatology. I agree about the MA before a PhD. I've applied for volunteer work at the zoo but didn't hear back, I will apply again. I live in Michigan and I'm having trouble finding opportunities for field work. I contacted one of my Anthro professors- he taught the only course related to Bio Anth- and he recommended getting in touch with admissions counselors, so that has been my first step, but I don't expect to hear back until the Winter semester starts up.

I deeply appreciate your feedback and suggestions, I'm very passionate about this and open to trying anything to strengthen myself as a candidate.

[anonymous]

http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/edu/careers/hunt.html This website, if you haven't found it already, is one of the more helpful ones for finding volunteer field work (and has good tips)- I don't know if you're in a position in your life to do so, but if it is a possibility it could definitely help you out. Also, other zoos outside of your state may offer volunteer trips/workshops if you can't get involved with something there. I assume you have already checked with MSU and UM and those didn't pan out.

[pandoraparabola]

I have been doing a lot of searching but had not came across that particular website yet- thank you! It is an amazing resource and I am enjoying going through all of the different sections. I was thinking of subscribing to some of the academic journals so I could learn about what is happening in the field today. MSU's Bio Anth program is focused on criminology and forensics, no primate studies, but I have contacted the admissions counselor at UM to talk about my options. Field work out of state is a possibility, though I'd have to take out loans, but that seems to be unavoidable in any case if I'm going to pursue this.
Thanks again for helping me out, I hope your studies/career are going well.

[brittdreams]

Journals are usually incredibly expensive. You'd be better off stopping by a public university library and just reading what you're interested in.

If you're going to take out loans, I recommend using them to either do postbacc work or a MA.

[shaydlip]

This x10.

[lifeofbai]

Taking more courses is definitely the way to go. It's not so much about your undergraduate major as the coursework you've taken in the subject. I'm trying to switch from social sciences to math right now, so I have been taking classes in the evening.

[pandoraparabola]

Good luck with the switch! Did you have any trouble finding a way to take post-bach coursework? There's a big name university about an hour away from me that offers exactly the kind of coursework I need to take, but it's damn near impossible to go because they generally don't admit people that already have bachelors degrees.

[caerbannogbunny]

Can you apply as a non-degree seeking student?

At least from them...

(Am actually wanting to get into either an evolutionary anthropology masters or biological anthro masters with a Psych bachelor's... but I'll also be 2 classes and a foreign language from a BA in anthro...)

[lifeofbai]

Well, I'm not taking post-bach courses, I'm actually taking undergraduate classes in math to make up for deficiencies (I had taken some math in college, but not enough). Good luck with your switch as well!

[anonymous]

You could also try volunteering in a primate lab. You probably won't be doing much behavioral observation (likely data entry and maybe some endocrinology assaying), but you'll pick up a lot of knowledge just from over-hearing conversations and might be able to back-door your way into an expenses-paid field position. Also, it will look pretty snazzy on your CV. I know there are primatologists at Michigan, but they are hiding in the psych and ecology departments.

[pandoraparabola]

Hi anon, I doubt you'll see this but I wanted to let you know that because of the website you linked to, I was able to register for a distance learning course at Iowa State, and I am applying for summer internships to work with primates. Thank you again for your help!