Graduates in the field of paleoanthropology often work collecting artifacts at archaeological sites, conducting experiments in a lab setting, analyzing data, writing reports or participating in scientific research. Students may also pursue academic professions in which teaching, fieldwork and research duties are combined.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.