Forensic Anthropologist
Job Description
Forensic Anthropologists specialize in the application of physical or biological anthropology to the legal process, typically in cases of homicide. It is their job to use their knowledge and analyze human remains to discover the victims age, sex, ancestry as well as unique features of the skeleton. forensic anthropologists often work side by side with forensic odontologists, archeologists, taphonomists and homicide investigators.
Working Conditions
Typically, Forensic Anthropologists aren't full time workers for law enforcement agencies. They are usually university professors or researchers who instead choose to act as consultants when called upon as experts in applied and physical anthropology. Forensic anthropologists spend most of their time conducting research in labs, usually based out of college campuses. They study how bodies decompose and when called upon, they are able to provide thorough analysis of the remains found at a crime scene.
Trainng/Education Requirements
Those who work in this field of forensic science must:
Have at least a Bachelor's degree in anthropology, or have a bachelor's degree in a related field such as archeology, and have a masters in Anthropology to meet the minimum requirements. Typically, forensic anthropologists have a doctorate degree in biological or physical anthropology. During schooling, forensic anthropologist get a lot of experience through internships, field work and clinical experience
Have at least a Bachelor's degree in anthropology, or have a bachelor's degree in a related field such as archeology, and have a masters in Anthropology to meet the minimum requirements. Typically, forensic anthropologists have a doctorate degree in biological or physical anthropology. During schooling, forensic anthropologist get a lot of experience through internships, field work and clinical experience
Personal Characteristics
Forensic anthropologists typically:
- Are highly analytical
- Understands and accepts the scientific method
- Understands the criminal justice system as well as the legal process
- Are able to articulate their findings and defend them in a court setting
Earnings & Job Outlook
With the required education, the average annual salary of a forensic anthropologist, as of 2013, was $61,420. Forensic anthropology is a highly competitive and specialized field which produces more graduates than jobs. Despite this being true, there is some hope. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 19% growth in jobs from 2012 to 2022. However, most forensic anthropologists work full time as professors at universities and only work as consultants to law enforcement agencies.
Education Spotlight
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
http://www.poundlab.org
http://www.poundlab.org
University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN
http://biology.uindy.edu/mshumanbio/index.php
Mercyhurst University, Erie, PA
http://mai.mercyhurst.edu/applied-forensic-sciences/applied-forensic-sciences
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
http://anthropology.msu.edu/msufal
Power of the Bones