We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Forensic Anthropologist

Save

Forensic Anthropology is the application of anthropological methods to the analysis of human remains for the purpose of identification and investigation of death. It is a specialized field that combines the study of human biology, archaeology, and forensic methods to provide valuable information in legal and archaeological contexts.

Work Environment

Forensic Anthropologists typically work in laboratory settings, analyzing human remains and interpreting data. They may also work in the field, conducting excavations or assisting with crime scene investigations. The work can be physically and emotionally demanding, requiring attention to detail and the ability to handle sensitive materials.

Education and Training

Most Forensic Anthropologists hold at least a Master's degree in Forensic Anthropology or a related field, such as Archaeology or Biological Anthropology. A strong background in human osteology, forensic methods, and laboratory techniques is essential.

Collaboration and Communication

Forensic Anthropologists often collaborate with other professionals, including forensic pathologists, forensic scientists, and law enforcement officers. They must be able to communicate their findings effectively to legal and non-legal audiences.

Career Growth

Read more

Forensic Anthropology is the application of anthropological methods to the analysis of human remains for the purpose of identification and investigation of death. It is a specialized field that combines the study of human biology, archaeology, and forensic methods to provide valuable information in legal and archaeological contexts.

Work Environment

Forensic Anthropologists typically work in laboratory settings, analyzing human remains and interpreting data. They may also work in the field, conducting excavations or assisting with crime scene investigations. The work can be physically and emotionally demanding, requiring attention to detail and the ability to handle sensitive materials.

Education and Training

Most Forensic Anthropologists hold at least a Master's degree in Forensic Anthropology or a related field, such as Archaeology or Biological Anthropology. A strong background in human osteology, forensic methods, and laboratory techniques is essential.

Collaboration and Communication

Forensic Anthropologists often collaborate with other professionals, including forensic pathologists, forensic scientists, and law enforcement officers. They must be able to communicate their findings effectively to legal and non-legal audiences.

Career Growth

Forensic Anthropologists may advance to senior positions within their organizations or pursue specialized areas of research. They may also transition into related fields, such as forensic science or museum curation.

Transferable Skills

The skills developed in Forensic Anthropology, such as data analysis, problem-solving, and communication, are valuable in various fields. Forensic Anthropologists may find opportunities in academia, research, or other roles that involve the examination and interpretation of human remains.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

The day-to-day responsibilities of a Forensic Anthropologist may include:

  • Examining and analyzing human remains to determine the cause and manner of death
  • Preparing reports and presenting findings in court
  • Collaborating with law enforcement and other professionals
  • Conducting research and developing new techniques in Forensic Anthropology

Challenges

Forensic Anthropologists may face challenges such as:

  • The emotional toll of working with human remains
  • The need to work in demanding and often stressful environments
  • The potential for exposure to hazardous materials

Projects

Forensic Anthropologists may undertake various projects, including:

  • Identifying human remains from mass disasters or war zones
  • Assisting in the investigation of cold cases
  • Developing new methods for analyzing human remains
  • Conducting research on human evolution and variation

Personal Growth

Forensic Anthropology offers opportunities for personal growth through:

  • The development of specialized knowledge and skills
  • The ability to contribute to legal investigations and provide justice
  • The opportunity to work with a diverse range of professionals

Personality Traits and Interests

Individuals suited to a career in Forensic Anthropology typically have:

  • A strong interest in human biology and anatomy
  • Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills
  • The ability to handle sensitive materials and work in stressful environments
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills

Self-Guided Projects

To prepare for a career in Forensic Anthropology, individuals may consider:

  • Volunteering at a local morgue or museum
  • Conducting research on human evolution and variation
  • Taking online courses in Forensic Anthropology or related fields

Online Courses

Online courses offer a flexible and accessible way to learn about Forensic Anthropology. They provide learners with opportunities to engage with course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assignments at their own pace. Through lecture videos, projects, assignments, quizzes, exams, discussions, and interactive labs, online courses can help learners gain a comprehensive understanding of the field.

While online courses alone may not be sufficient for entering the field of Forensic Anthropology, they can provide a valuable foundation of knowledge and skills. By supplementing online learning with practical experience and additional training, aspiring Forensic Anthropologists can increase their chances of success.

Share

Help others find this career page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Salaries for Forensic Anthropologist

City
Median
New York
$134,000
San Francisco
$134,000
Seattle
$156,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$134,000
San Francisco
$134,000
Seattle
$156,000
Austin
$115,000
Toronto
$82,000
London
£65,000
Paris
€61,000
Berlin
€90,000
Tel Aviv
₪462,000
Singapore
S$72,800
Beijing
¥125,000
Shanghai
¥533,000
Shenzhen
¥97,000
Bengalaru
₹500,000
Delhi
₹267,000
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Path to Forensic Anthropologist

Take the first step.
We've curated eight courses to help you on your path to Forensic Anthropologist. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
A comprehensive handbook on the theory and practice of facial reconstruction, covering all aspects of the field.
This comprehensive encyclopedia provides detailed information on all aspects of forensic science, from the history of the field to the latest scientific techniques.
This comprehensive textbook covers all aspects of forensic science, from crime scene investigation to forensic pathology.
This comprehensive textbook covers all aspects of forensic pathology, from death investigation to forensic anthropology.
Provides a broad overview of the field of forensic science, including crime scene investigation, forensic biology, and forensic chemistry. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field of forensic science.
This introductory textbook provides a broad overview of the field of forensic science, covering a wide range of topics including crime scene investigation, forensic biology, forensic chemistry, and forensic toxicology.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of crime scene photography. It covers a wide range of topics, including camera equipment, lighting techniques, and photo documentation. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and professionals in the field of forensic science.
A comprehensive overview of the role of facial reconstruction in forensic science, including the latest advances in the field.
A detailed atlas of facial reconstruction case studies, with detailed illustrations and descriptions of the techniques used.
A comprehensive guide to forensic art and illustration, including a chapter on facial reconstruction.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of forensic investigation. It covers a wide range of topics, including crime scene investigation, forensic biology, and forensic chemistry. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field of forensic science.
This concise introduction to forensic psychology provides a clear and accessible overview of the field, with a focus on the practical applications of psychology in criminal investigations.
Provides a concise overview of the principles and practices of crime scene investigation for first responders. It covers a wide range of topics, including crime scene documentation, evidence collection, and preservation of evidence.
Provides a practical guide to the principles and practices of crime scene investigation. It covers a wide range of topics, including crime scene documentation, evidence collection, and reconstruction of events. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and professionals in the field of forensic science.
Provides a step-by-step guide to the principles and practices of crime scene investigation. It covers a wide range of topics, including crime scene documentation, evidence collection, and reconstruction of events. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and professionals in the field of forensic science.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser