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SO YOU WANT TO BE A FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGIST?

by Randy Skelton, Professor
Department of Anthropology, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812

Forensic anthropology is a branch of the forensic sciences concerned with the application of anthropological knowledge and methods to the process of law. In the most typical scenario a law enforcement agency finds skeletal remains and asks a forensic anthropologist for help in identifying who the deceased individual is. There are many other applications of forensic anthropology as well, including identifying war dead and victims of human rights abuses, and recovery of buried evidence in general.
Although it's clear that the field is not unlimited, there are jobs for forensic anthropologists. Here are some of the careers someone with the appropriate education in forensic anthropology might pursue:

  • Working for the U.S. government or military, especially in the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC). These positions usually require a graduate degree in anthropology. See www.jpac.pacom.mil/ for more information.
  • Teaching anthropology: Here in Montana, I get to work on cases for free. College faculty positions require a graduate degree in anthropology, with a Ph.D. preferred.
  • Working for a law enforcement agency in a big city as a forensic anthropologist. Some of the large jurisdictions, such as King County, WA, and Los Angeles, CA, are hiring a staff forensic anthropologist. In smaller cities there usually aren't enough cases to keep a forensic anthropologist busy.
  • Working as a curator for a museum.
  • Working at a local, state, federal or private crime lab as a regular staff member who just happens to have expertise in forensic anthropology. Anthropologists have obtained positions as crime scene technicians and case coordinators, among others. A strong background in chemistry or biology is required.
  • Working for a law enforcement agency as an officer who just happens to have expertise in forensic anthropology. Some agencies are beginning to realize that the skills reflected in an anthropology degree are useful in law enforcement, especially for detectives.

Most people pursue a forensic career as a general forensic scientist at a crime lab or similar organization. Although a few forensic anthropologists find employment as evidence technicians, administrative support staff, or other job that doesn't require training in the sciences, most people find that if they are serious about wanting to work at a crime lab they need a BS degree in chemistry or biology.