All about forensic anthropology?

Question

Okay so I'm still in high school but i'm pretty sure that i want to be a forensic anthropologist. Does anyone have any ideas or information about what I can do, to prepare or make it easier to be one. I've been thinking about doing the medical program at my high school which is more about medical assisting but I figure that it wouldn't hurt. Also what I would need to major in, have a bachelor degree in, undergrad. in; I'm not so sure about what I need to do. If anyone has any tips, or information that would help so much! Also if anyone has or known someone thats gone to a college in Ohio to become a forensic anthropoligist, what college they went to; or if anyone knows of a good one.

Thanks!

Answer 1

From wikipedia:
"Forensic anthropology is the application of the science of physical anthropology and human osteology (the study of the human skeleton) in a legal setting, most often in criminal cases where the victim's remains are more or less skeletonized. A forensic anthropologist can also assist in the identification of deceased individuals whose remains are decomposed, burned, mutilated or otherwise unrecognizable."
I suggest you read the rest of the entry.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forensic_anthropology

I knew one of the greats in this field, the late Dr. J. Lawrence Angel, at the Smithsonian. His knowledge of the human skeleton was amazing.

You'll need a B.A. or B.S., anthropology would be a good choice, or biology, or possibly pre-med. Then a PhD in anthropology, specializing in this sub-field. Mercyhurst College or Univ. of Tennessee seem to be where the programs are.

I'm wondering why it's suddenly so popular as a career choice. There are apparently a mere 50 or so practicing forensic anthropologists in the entire USA. The medical-program in your HS is a good start, but I recommend you not over-specialize your education too soon. A liberal-arts degree is, in part, supposed to be about enabling you to discover fields of human thought you didn't know enough about to know you'd love to spend your life doing.

Answer 2

Study Biology, specifically genetics/anatomy...

It has recently been established that DNA can reveal the races of individuals with 99% accuracy...
(Human Haplogroups)

Also, it wouldn't hurt to take some courses in Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice, to establish an understanding of procedure at a crime scene, which is not dissimilar to that of an archeological/anthropological dig site...

Good Luck!