what do you need to do to become a forensic anthropologist?

Question

I am trying to figure out what i want to do with my life.

Answer 1

You need at least a masters or a PhD

For undergrad course work:
You should major in Physical Anthropology and take courses like biology, anatomy, physiology, some chemistry, statistics, a physics class or two, and maybe a genetics class. Remember they don't call it forensic science for nothing. Just don't take blow off electives because you won't get into a good grad program or you may not get into one at all.

To get into a grad school you need a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA (I would recommend about a 3.5 GPA). Also, you need an above average score on the GRE.

As a side note:
This is a dirty/smelly field to work in and if you can't stomach bad smells or seeing decomposing bodies this may not be the field for you. It's not all glamorous like you see on TV. In fact; the television shows are a far cry from the real job.

Answer 2

You need to earn a bachelor's degree in anthropology with an emphasis on physical or biological anthropology. Biology classes help. You have to take an archaeology field school course. You really need to go on to get at least your masters if you want to make more money than you would working at McDonalds. Some colleges offer a specific forensic anthropology masters program. If not, stay with anthropology. Take a lot of osteology classes. And, getting your phd is helpful.

Answer 3

A Yahoo Search: qualifications forensic anthropologist

will take you to many authoritative sources.

Good luck.

Answer 4

A lot of school.