Forensic Anthropology Careers

With a degree in forensic anthropology, you too can study to have that same type of exciting career, piecing together bits and pieces of a puzzle to solve a mystery or a crime. Forensic Anthropologists study bones found at a crime scene to help determine the cause of death and search for any clues that may not be seen at quick glance. Below is some advice on how to become a forensic anthropologist.

First of all, yes, this is a real career, and yes, there are real degree programs that can help you prepare for this kind of career.

As a forensic anthropologist, your job would include helping the medical examiner or coroner with collecting and identifying human remains. Using your knowledge of forensic anthropology, you can determine age, sex, race, and height of someone simply by looking at the bones and remains found at a scene. You will also be able to note if there was any damage to the bones, and may even be able to visit the crime scene itself to “dig up” any other clues you may find.

How to Become a Forensic Anthropologist

Now, in order for you to know how to become a forensic anthropologist, you earn your bachelor’s degree in one of a number of sciences such as biology, anatomy, physiology, anthropology, or chemistry. Then, will need to earn a graduate degree in anthropology or human biology. A PhD degree is also strongly encouraged, as well as some related work experience before being able to become board certified. The more education and certifications you have, the more desirable you will be to prospective employers.

Online Forensic Degrees

Right now, there are a limited number of anthropology and forensic degree programs online, but there are a couple reputable programs including Ashford University, which offers both a Bachelor’s in Cultural Anthropology and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice – Forensics and Kaplan University offers bachelor’s degrees in Forensic Psychology and Crime Scene Investigation.

Ashford University – Online Bachelor’s in Cultural Anthropology

Ashford University offers accelerated 8 week classes online.

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is not only accredited, but affordable (one of the lowest cost programs online). Degree programs are accelerated, allowing you to earn your degree faster than you think.

Transfer in up to 99 approved credits toward your Bachelor’s program to accelerate your path to completion.

Online Anthropology / Forensic Degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology
• Bachelor of Arts in Social & Criminal Justice – Forensics

Read more or get a free program guide from Ashford University.

Kaplan University – Online Forensics Degree

Kaplan University offers accredited 10-week online classes. With 10-week classes, you gain the benefit of speed and shave 6-weeks off of a traditional 16-week semester. Not too shabby.

Online Forensics Degrees:

• Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology
• Bachelor’s in Crime Scene Investigation

Read more or get a free program guide from Kaplan University.

There are many opportunities for you to study forensic anthropology online, allowing you the freedom to pursue your degree at your time when it is most convenient for you.

Since forensic anthropology doesn’t usually become a major course of study until you are at the graduate level, you can at least complete your bachelor’s degree online before navigating your focus of study to forensic anthropology. As long as you have a computer with an internet connection, you should be ready to know how to become a forensic anthropologist.

Forensic Anthropologist – A Typical Day’s Work

Forensic anthropologists frequently work in conjunction with forensic pathologists, odontologists, and homicide investigators to help identify a decedent, discover previous evidence of trauma, and more. It requires a great deal of critical thinking, testing, and lab work to get some of these answers, and being thorough and precise in your methods is critical.

Once you have earned your forensic anthropology degree, you will be able to use your knowledge and expertise in courts of law as an expert witness, assist with criminal and legal cases, and become a detective in your own right, solving mysteries based on human remains. It can be a very detail-oriented but exciting and thrilling career. If you are willing to take on the training and education needed to qualify for employment, you will definitely be able to take on a forensic anthropology career with ease!

• Nova Southeastern University is the nation’s seventh largest, not-for-profit, independent university
• Nova Southeastern University is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on a 300 acre campus
• NSU online offers associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees
• Regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

About Nova Southeastern Doctorates

Nova Southeastern University is a large institution, but the quality of education does not diminish with size. In fact, because of the large amounts of students and alumni, Nova Southeastern is able to offer an abundant supply of programs, degrees, diplomas and other certifications. The doctorate level degrees are particularly robust, and are available across a wide range of fields.

Nova Southeastern Doctorates are all accredited by their respected national or international governing bodies. This is a very important fact when choosing a university, because you know that the degree you obtain will be respected not only by the public or your employer, but also by others in your profession.

As with most doctorate degrees, Nova Southeastern University’s focuses heavily on research. You are going to come out an expert in your field if you attend Nova Southeastern for your degree.

Nova Southeastern University Online Doctorate Programs

• Online PhD in Computer Information Systems
• Online PhD in Computer Science
• Online PhD in Computing Technology in Education
• Online PhD in Information Systems

Nova Southeastern University Distance Education

Distance education is approached by Nova Southeastern University slightly differently than many other institutions. Nova Southeastern considers distance education to be any course that is not offered at its main campus in Florida. They have several satellite classrooms in other states or countries, as well as online courses.

Nova Southeastern University Programs

Nova Southeastern University also offers all levels of degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, optometry, allied health and nursing, medical sciences, dental medicine, law, marine biology and oceanography, business and entrepreneurship, computer and information sciences, humanities, conflict resolution, family therapy, interdisciplinary studies, education, psychology and counseling, and family programs.

Nova Southeastern University believes that education is a lifetime investment, so they work hard to provide their students with the most valuable and accurate financial aid information. They believe that those wanting a higher education should not be hindered by financial barriers.

They have forms at their office and online for students to apply for Federal financial aid, as well as employment at the university, veterans’ benefits and other grants and bursaries. They will help their students through every step of the financial aid process, and monitor the results to ensure that money is delivered in a timely manner.

Read more or get a free program guide from Nova Southeastern University in Florida.