Current minimum requirements necessary to become a forensic anthropologist include a Bachelor’s degree in anthropology or a closely related field, a Master’s degree in anthropology, and a PhD in physical anthropology.

Additionally, during their education the student must seek out opportunities to gain experience by assisting an established forensic anthropologist with casework.

After the PhD, there is still additional training to complete. Though not currently a requirement, the American Board of Forensic Anthropology recognizes established forensic anthropologists as diplomats after the required educational requirements are met and the candidate successfully completes written and practical exams.

This information is geared towards high school, undergraduate, or new graduate students who are interested in forensic anthropology and want to know more about the discipline.

Here at The University of Tennessee, we often receive questions from students who want to know what forensic anthropology is, and how they can become involved. Hopefully, this page will answer some of your questions!

The road to forensic anthropology can be a long one, but it is also very fulfilling. To use your skills to help law enforcement agencies resolve crimes and mysteries is rewarding. But be prepared – it involves years of study and training in school. You will need to earn a PhD degree in order to practice forensic anthropology, and that means at least another eight to ten years of school after you graduate high school!

Another factor to consider is this: while there are a few forensic anthropologists who work independently (as part of a medical examiner’s office, for the military, etc.) the overwhelming majority of forensic anthropologists work in universities. This means you will be a college professor who teaches physical anthropology most of the time, and works on forensic anthropology cases some of the time.

You also have to consider if you can deal with the sights, smells, and impact of death. Truly, this work is not for the faint of heart – sights, sounds, odors and the tangible products of human decomposition are everyday occurrences. Also, you will run across many sad and disturbing cases that might affect you, so please make sure you are prepared. The good news is, however, that most people who are serious about becoming forensic anthropologists are able to overcome these obstacles.

Good Advice

Dr. Midori Albert, a forensic anthropologist at UNCW, has prepared her “Frequently Asked Questions about Forensic Anthropology” website with answers to questions like what how do I find a graduate program, what college courses do I need, at which universities can I study forensic anthropology, and more.

Dr. Randy Skelton, a physical/forensic anthropologist at UM-Missoula, has prepared his “So You Want to Be a Forensic Anthropologist” webpage with information that includes facts about forensic anthropology, forensic sciences, job opportunities, universities that offer forensic anthropology programs, and more.

If you think forensic anthropology is for you, your next step is to decide where to go to school. Besides here at The University of Tennessee, there are other undergraduate and graduate programs across the country.

Reddy has compiled a huge list of colleges and universities that offer all kinds of forensic programs. Note that these include more than just forensic anthropology programs, and they are organized by state and country. Very helpful!

The primary task of a forensic anthropologist is to gather and interpret evidence to assist in the identification of human remains and determine the cause of death. Therefore, forensic anthropology is considered a criminal justice career. Forensic anthropology is a specialized discipline, and many organizations seek the services of forensic anthropologists. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Laboratory Division added forensic anthropology as a service in 2010, through which it provides field and laboratory analysis and assistance to FBI units and other law enforcement agencies. Forensic anthropologists employed by the FBI are considered professional staff and are granted access to the most advanced technologies and equipment available to work on the FBI’s most challenging cases. Openings at the FBI’s headquarters and field offices are frequently posted. Museums and research institutions frequently hire forensic anthropologists to examine and to catalog important collections and sometimes to analyze and to acquire new specimens.

The Smithsonian Institution’s Department of Anthropology is one of the most widely known and respected anthropology centers in the US. The Smithsonian’s staff of anthropologists has been involved in assisting law enforcement investigations for over 100 years. Its collection of human comparative skeletons is one of the largest in the world, with over 30,000 sets.¹ Fellowship opportunities are posted on the Smithsonian’s opportunity page. Forensic anthropologists might also consider a career as a professor of forensic anthropology. The faculty of the Department of Anthropology at The University of Tennessee Knoxville are active in the field of anthropology and are connected with other highly respected institutions. Through the Forensic Anthropology Center, the department also offers courses to professionals from diverse fields and graduate student research opportunities.

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Career Description, Duties, and Common Tasks

Forensic anthropologists are deeply involved in the legal system as they are increasingly called on to testify in court as expert witnesses, whether they have worked directly on a case or are consulting as professionals. The daily work of forensic anthropologists is highly varied, but most spend much of their time in the laboratory, examining direct evidence and remains through observation, X-ray analysis, and other technological means, as well as checking dental and medical records. They may also assist in recovering bodies from the scenes where they are located.

Steps for Becoming a Forensic Anthropologist

Since forensic anthropologists must thoroughly understand human anatomy, anthropology, and aspects of many other scientific disciplines, most hiring organizations require candidates for these positions to possess a graduate degree. But some employers may accept a lesser degree, especially if it is offset by experience. Professional forensic anthropologists may also earn certification through such organizations as the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors or the American Board of Forensic Anthropology. Students interested in this career may consider earning a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or anthropology as a starting point, which may allow them to find work in the forensic sciences while pursuing a graduate degree. In order to become a forensic anthropologist, you should expect to follow steps similar to the ones below.

• Acquire a graduate degree relating to forensics and anthropology.

• Apply for a forensic anthropologist job.

• Earn certification as a forensic anthropologist (optional).

• Undergo a background investigation.

• Pass a drug test.

• Be interviewed.

• Get hired as a forensic anthropologist.

• Receive on-the-job training.

 

Forensic Anthropologist Job Training

Prospective anthropologists generally complete extensive hands-on training while earning their master’s and/or doctoral degree. This training may involve a broad education in physical and biological anthropology, among other sub-specialty areas. Depending on your career placement, for example, working for academic institutions versus medical examiner offices, on-the-job training may also be necessary.

Other Helpful Skills and Experience

Anthropologists who specialize in forensics have complex responsibilities, and as a result, require a broad skill set and experience to do their jobs well. Experience working with law enforcement and with using lab equipment are both essential. Photography skills and knowledge of how to use and read X-rays are also advantageous.

Possible Job Titles for This Career

• Anthropologist
• Forensic Anthropologist
• Forensic Physical Anthropologist

Forensic Anthropologist Salary and Job Outlook

While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide job data for forensic anthropologists, it provides data for the related occupation of forensic science technicians, who earn a median salary of $57,850 per year.² The BLS reports that anthropologists and archeologists earn a median salary of $62,280 per year.³ Because there is not a huge demand for forensic anthropologists, the job outlook growth rate is slower than average and competition for open positions, especially if they are full-time, is highly competitive.³

Related Careers

Interested in a career similar to forensic anthropology? Check out these related careers:

• Blood Spatter Analyst
• Computer Forensics Investigator
• Crime Lab Analyst
• Forensic Accountant
• Forensic Ballistics Expert
• Forensic Nursing
• Forensic Psychologist
• Forensic Science Technician
• Crime Scene Investigator