The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Anthropology
with Forensic Anthropology Option

What is the Forensic Anthropology Option?

The forensic anthropology option is a way to satisfy the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in anthropology while concentrating on classes of relevance to forensic anthropology. After completing the introductory sequence of classes required of all anthropology majors, students in the forensic anthropology option focus on physical anthropology and archaeology classes for their required method, theory, and breadth courses. The core of the forensic anthropology option is the following set of classes: Survey of the Forensic Sciences (ANTH 286N), an introductory class on criminology or the justice system (SOC 230S or 235), Forensic & Mortuary Archaeology (ANTH 413), Human Variation (ANTH 310N) and Principles of Forensic Anthropology (ANTH 314). This core curriculum is then rounded out with a series of electives in physical anthropology, archaeology, or another field with relevance to the forensic sciences. See the many advising documents at http://www.anthro.umt.edu/advising/ for checklists and other materials relating to the anthropology major and the forensic anthropology option.

What is Forensic Anthropology

Forensic anthropology is a branch of the forensic sciences concerned with the application the knowledge and methods of physical anthropology to the development and interpretation of evidence that might be used in a criminal or civil court proceeding. In the most typical scenario a law enforcement agency finds skeletal remains and asks a forensic anthropologist for help in figuring out who the deceased individual was. 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. The skills of forensic anthropology form an excellent foundation from which to pursue related fields of physical/biological anthropology, including human and primate evolution, human variation, bioarchaeology, and skeletal biology. With its emphasis on anatomy and general science the forensic anthropology option works well with a pre-medical or pre-veterinary curriculum.

Careers in Forensic Anthropology

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 Central Identification Laboratory in Hawaii (CILHI). These positions usually require a graduate degree in anthropology.
• Teaching anthropology: Here in Montana, I get to work on forensic anthropology 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 County, 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.
• 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.

What about "Forensic Science"?

The forensic anthropology option is not a substitute for the degree in chemistry or biology required for most jobs in a crime lab or other position in forensic science. Although a few forensic anthropologists do find employment in a crime lab, it is usually as evidence technicians, administrative support staff, or other job that doesn't require training in the sciences. Most forensic anthropologists who have found employment as a forensic scientist find that their options are less limited if they take lots of classes in laboratory science, especially chemistry. We advise anybody seriously considering a career in the forensic sciences to pursue a degree in chemistry or biology. It is possible to double major in anthropology (with the forensic science option) with chemistry or biology. See the chemistry/anthro double major plan and the biology/anthro double major plan at http://www.anthro.umt.edu/advising/ for a way to earn these double majors.

What about "Criminology"?

The University of Montana's sociology department has excellent programs in criminology for undergraduates and graduate students. See their web site at http://www.umt.edu/sociology/ for more details. It is also possible to double major in anthropology with the forensic anthropology option and sociology with the criminology option. See the sociology/anthro double major plan at http://www.anthro.umt.edu/advising/ for a way to do this.

Summary

The BA degree in anthropology with forensic anthropology option is an exciting program that combines both theoretical and practical aspects of physical anthropology. It is compatible with a wide range of other degrees and curricula to allow a broad spectrum of choices for students wishing to pursue education or a career in the biological, social, medical or forensic sciences.

How do I get Started?

First, if you are not already a student at The University of Montana -- Missoula, you need to apply for admission to the university. Once admitted, pick up the necessary paperwork to declare an anthropology major from the Registration Desk at Griz Central in the Lommasson Building. Fill out the paperwork and obtain the signature of the anthropology department chair (currently Gregory Campbell). Obtain and read all the appropriate documents on the anthropology advising web site http://www.anthro.umt.edu/advising/ and form a plan for what classes to take. Before enrolling in classes you will need to see an advisor. Any of the regular anthropology faculty can advise you. Prof. Randall Skelton is the coordinator of the forensic anthropology option.