Forensic anthropologists are highly-trained specialists who use their expertise to help law enforcement solve crimes and identify human remains. This job is one of the most interesting and rewarding careers available to those with a natural curiosity about the human body.
Becoming a forensic anthropologist can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here’s how you do it:
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology or Biology
You’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in order for your application to be considered by graduate schools. You don’t have to major in anthropology or biology, but some coursework in those fields is helpful if you want to get into this field.
Step 2: Complete Graduate Training In Forensic Anthropology
After you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree, apply for graduate school at an accredited university with a strong forensic anthropology program. Most programs offer either an MA or PhD degree program in forensic anthropology and require applicants to have at least three years of undergraduate study completed before applying for admission.
Step 3 – Get Certified as a Forensic Anthropologist
In order to be eligible for certification as a forensic anthropologist, you must complete at least two years of full-time work experience within the field after earning your degree from an accredited institution
How To Become Forensic Anthropologist
Forensic anthropologists are experts in collecting and analyzing human remains and often play an integral part in criminal justice and academic research and discovery. Because of their wide range of expertise, professionals in this role can work in academia, government organizations, research, consulting, law enforcement and more. If you’re interested in the field of anthropology and forensic work, have excellent analytical and research skills and are willing to pursue education for a number of years, you may consider becoming a forensic anthropologist.
In this article, we explore frequently asked questions about becoming a forensic anthropologist, including what they do, how long it takes to become one, how to become one, education requirements, related job titles and more.
Related: Becoming an Anthropologist (With Steps)
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What does a forensic anthropologist do?
A forensic anthropologist is a professional who deeply understands all aspects of anthropology and human anatomy and uses this expertise for a variety of reasons. As a professional forensic anthropologist, you may work at crime scenes, take part in archeological digs or teach at colleges and universities. Forensic anthropologists may have the following responsibilities in their work:
- Recovering human remains for academic or historical work or at the request of law enforcement
- Assisting at crime scenes at the request of law enforcement
- Identifying human remains for police or academic work
- Testifying in court at crime trials
- Researching historical documents and texts for reference
- Teaching anthropology and forensic courses at a college-level
- Collaborating with law enforcement
- Interpreting trauma or wounds on human remains
Related: What is Forensic Science? (Plus How To Become a Forensic Scientist)
How long does it take to become a forensic anthropologist?
The amount of time it takes to become a forensic anthropologist varies based on many factors. If you pursue the minimum amount of education to become a professional in this field, it can take as little as four years, or eight semesters’ worth of education. If you pursue the maximum amount of education to become a professional in this field, it could take upwards of six years to complete a bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree in the discipline.
Related: 11 Jobs That Use Anthropology Skills
What’s the salary and job outlook for forensic anthropologists?
There’s no specific salary information for forensic anthropologists. You can take a look at similar positions’ salaries to get an idea of how much they make on average per year.
- Forensic analyst: $79,667 per year
- Archeologist: $58,285 per year
- Forensic scientist: $61,517 per year
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2020 to 2030, job opportunities for the related roles of anthropologists and archeologists are expected to grow 7%, which it says is about as fast as average.
Related: Your Guide To Forensic Anthropologist Salaries
Where do forensic anthropologists work?
Professionals in this role may work at several different entities, including the following:
- Colleges or universities
- Privately owned businesses
- Museums
- Law enforcement agencies
- U.S. military
- Coroners’ offices
- Anthropology consulting firms
- Local, state or federal government organizations
Typically, forensic anthropologists work in a full-time capacity at their place of employment, though some teach part-time at colleges and universities in addition to their full-time work. In some cases, because of their wide range of expertise and the nature of their work, they may be “on call” at all points in time.
Related: 21 Anthropologist Jobs to Consider
Who do forensic anthropologists work with?
Forensic anthropologists may work with a variety of professionals in a number of industries. This is because their wide range of expertise usually applies to other fields and therefore needed to assist in completing work in other industries. These professionals can work with the following:
- Law enforcement officers
- Archeologists
- Forensic scientists
- University faculty
- Pathologists
- Medical examiners
- Members of the U.S. military
- Museum staff
- Anthropologists
- Coroners
- Forensic pathologists
Related: 10 Popular Jobs in Forensic Science
What are other job titles for forensic anthropologists?
Professionals in this field may have a job title other than “forensic anthropologist.” Other common job titles for those in this field include the following:
- Biological anthropologist
- Forensic physical anthropologist
- Anthropologist
- Physical anthropologist
Specific responsibilities may vary by job title, but general tasks and daily activities usually remain standard for professional forensic anthropologists.
Related: Learn About Being a Forensic Science Technician
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How to become a forensic anthropologist
There are several steps you can take to pursue a career as a forensic anthropologist. You may follow this step-by-step guide to do so:
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
Forensic anthropologists pursue higher education in order to work in the field. Typically, practicing professionals in this role have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Common majors for aspiring forensic anthropologists include anthropology, forensic science and archeology. Usually, aspiring professionals specialize in physical or biological anthropology in their major.
Related: Definitive Guide to Majors in Forensic Science
2. Consider pursuing postgraduate education
Most successful professionals in this role have a master’s or doctoral degree. Because of this, you may consider pursuing a postgraduate degree in anthropology, forensic science or archeology. You may find more job opportunities in the field if you earn this additional education as it can allow you to be more qualified for positions.
3. Earn certifications
You may also consider earning certifications in the field or related disciplines. Doing so can expand your skill set for the field and give you added credibility. This can help increase your chances of employment. Common forensic anthropologist certifications include the following:
- American Board of Forensic Anthropology certification: The American Board of Forensic Anthropology, which is accredited by The Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board, offers a certification for professional qualification in the field. You may pass an exam, have personal and professional education and training and be of moral character to achieve this certification.
- International Association for Identification certifications: The International Association for Identification offers several types of certifications for different specializations, including for forensic art, bloodstain pattern analysts and more. Each individual certification program has different requirements for certification that are specific to the discipline.
4. Gain experience
Next, you may consider gaining experience as forensic anthropologist. You may do so by participating in a forensic anthropologist, forensic scientist or archeology internship, shadowing professionals in those fields or by obtaining an entry, assistant-level job in one of those professions.
Related: How To Write a Forensic Anthropology Cover Letter (With Example)
5. Undergo on-the-job training
Once you’ve earned education and gained experience in the field of forensic anthropology, you may apply to jobs and accept an offer from the employer of your choice. To begin practicing, you usually first undergo on-the-job training. You may participate in typical daily operations of a forensic anthropologist and report to a superior for several weeks once you begin before reaching full, expected productivity.