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Classes in High School to Prepare for Forensic Anthropology?
Question by 0b@m@ H8R: Classes in High School to Prepare for Forensic Anthropology?
I want to be a Forensic Anthropologist when I’m an adult. I’m currently in the 8th grade, and need to know what classes I need to take to prepare for this. I go to a smaller public school, so we don’t have an Anthropology class, our Psychology class is a joke (this is what I want to minor in in college), among a hundred other things, so those are out. Any information at all would be great. And also, I need to know what classes I should take in college, and which ones offer Forensic Anthropology. Also, it’s required for 9th graders to take Intro to Biology (1st semester) and Biology (2nd semester) because that’s the only science available for us. Is there anything I can do during the summer before next year and every summer after that to help prepare? Thanks in advance.
Also, are there any jobs available in D.C. with the government or possibly New York for a Forensic Anthropologist? And what is an average salary for one? Thanks again.
Best answer:
Answer by Turkish guy
First off, you shouldn’t even be worrying about classes in high school for a career in forensic anthropology. Anything that you will need to learn for the discipline will be in college and graduate school. The only thing that I can recommend for you to do at this age is to take plenty of science courses and keep your grades up (aim for at least a 3.7 GPA).
Most of the forensic anthropologists that I know just studied anthropology, usually physical/biological anthropology in their undergrad. If you are interested in pursuing a career in forensic anthropology, I would just recommend studying physical anthropology or archaeology as a specialization in your undergrad and then enter a physical anthropology program in your graduate school. The whole process should take about 4 years for your undergraduate, and then another 6-8 years on top of that for a PhD, though it could take an additional two years if you decide to get a MA in a field that deals with the forensic portion of the field. It is highly recommended for you to get that MA. The whole process will require 10-14 years of higher level education after your graduate high school.
Should you decide to commit yourself to studying forensic anthropology I must warn you that I have been told by forensic anthropologists that it is extremely difficult to find a job in the field. There are a lot of people trained in forensic anthropology, yet there is not a large demand for them. Law enforcement agencies usually just use a professor of anthropology at a local university rather than hire a forensic anthropologist full time for any cases that they need help with. I can only think of a handful of forensic anthropologists who work full-time in the field, and they typically work in places that most people don’t want to go to (Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Bosnia, Colombia, etc), most often in the aftermath of some atrocity that resulted in a huge loss of human life in a horrendous manner (if the list above was any indication). A similar field with much better employment opportunities that you might be interested in is pathology. You may be able to get a steady job in a big city as a pathologist, but you will need to go to medical school, get an internship and a residency, specialize in anatomical pathology and then sub-specialize in forensic pathology. It should take about the same amount of time as it would for you to become a forensic anthropologist, maybe a year or two longer.
P.S. If you are getting your ideas of the field of forensic anthropology from television, I would urge you to reconsider it as a career choice. The way that the discipline is portrayed on television and in movies is nowhere near an accurate portrayal of the work that real forensic anthropologists do. If you are really interested in the forensic anthropology and you want to get a more accurate picture of the life of a forensic anthropologist, I recommend that you read any material you can find on the subject. Start with “Death’s Acre” by Dr. William Bass. He is considered the father of forensic anthropology and his book is a wonderful synopsis on the evolution of the discipline.
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What kind of educational degree do you have to have to be a Forensic anthropology expert?
Question by Little Muffin Bites 2007: What kind of educational degree do you have to have to be a Forensic anthropology expert?
How many years of schooling do you have to have also?
Best answer:
Answer by sisyphus_stumbled
Well an M.A. or M.S. will be your minimum. On average this can take between 6 to 8 years (this includes going through your undergraduate work). If you choose to go on for a Ph.D., this can take another 3 to 5 years depending on how much time you devote to finishing. In order to become Board Certified, you’ll need the Ph.D. and several years practical experience.
If you you go on be a forensic anthropologist, here are a few suggestions
1) Taking classes outside of your major can be beneficial. Archaeology field schools will teach you about excavation and survey. These are two big skills that should be mastered as they are crucial to the recovery phase. Cultural anthropology and sociology classes, especially those dealing with mortuary practices, can help you learn about how people bury their dead. Statistics will help you to be read and understand the lierature. Anatomy (especially gross anatomy) will help you familarize yourself with the soft tissue. In my experience, it is equally important to know what goes through a foramen (hole) as it is to be able to idenitfy the structure. Other helpful classes: biology, chemistry, geology (this should include soil sciences), zooarchaeology (learn to id animal remains), kinesiology/biomechanics
2)Join the applicable associations. The American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the American Association of Physical Anthropologists have yearly meetings where posters and presentations are given. Presenting at these conferences will help to get your name out there and will allow you to network.
3)Get working in the lab early. Your university will have a physical anthropology lab. Volunteer there. This will help you get to know the other students and allow you to practice your osteology
4)Make friends with the local medical examiner’s office. If you prove yourself to be a competent student, they might be able to use your help in body recoveries
5)When you get your M.A. or M.S. apply to be a volunteer at Disaster Relief groups like Kenyon, Forensic Archaeology Recovery (FAR), Physicians for World Peace, and the United Nations. Sometimes you might be given the option to head to places like Iraq, Rwanda, Croatia, Serbia to work on mass graves. As thrilling as these places might be, give it a good long think before you agree. A single body can be traumatic; a mass grave can be devestating.
Anyway, that’s my advice. In my opinion, it’s a wonderful field. If you work hard at it and diversify you studies, you’ll be better off than most.
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How to Become a Forensic Scientist
BlazerCast May 19, 2009: The field of Forensic Science spans many disciplines, with each area requiring a different educational path. UABs Jason Linville, Ph.D. explains the different educational backgrounds needed for investigating crimes in the field or analyzing evidence in the lab. For more information, please visit bit.ly Become a fan of BlazerCast on Facebook: bit.ly Follow us on Twitter here: twitter.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5
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what classes should you take to go to college for forensic science?
Question by : what classes should you take to go to college for forensic science?
i am taking criminal justice this year (sophomore year of high school) and i’ll hopefully take forensics next year but what grades do you need to go to college for forensic science? and what should you do outside of school to get into college for forensic science?
Best answer:
Answer by Riley Lee
Nothing special it’s just a major in college. Take extra science classes for electives (those are more important than law enforcement since you want to be a scientist). Obviously try to get good grades but the grades you need depend on the school more than the major.
What do you think? Answer below!
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Forensic Science degree program, with Masters in Forensic Psychology?
Question by : Forensic Science degree program, with Masters in Forensic Psychology?
Since I do not have a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice (my B.S. degree is in Business) I am hoping a few people with experience in teaching Criminal Justice at the undergraduate or graduate level can help me.
I desire to go into Forensic Psychology at the Masters level. I may need to take a few lower level classes in psychology since I’ve been a business major for the last 7 years.
However, If I go into Forensic Science at the PhD level, what will I need to do (as in classes) to better prepare myself (after I attain my Masters)? I know that the psychology would help me.
Would a certain class in math help, perhaps calculus? Would taking physics or chemistry be a requirement to obtain a undergraduate degree in Forensic Science?
(If physics or chemistry is requirement at the undergraduate level, I better take it now).
My mind works in details and I know that I know that I know that I want to do investigative work. I analyze like crazy. Any information would help greatly.
Thanks!
Tink, thanks so much. Randy C, you put a lot of time in for those degrees. I did find out that,
“People interested in careers as science technicians (such as forensic scientists) should [take/have] a background in applied chemistry, physics, and math is vital.” Got this from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos115.htm
I guess I better take a few classes in chemistry and physics. I do not want to wait to take these later. The good thing about this is
“Jobs for forensic science technicians are expected to increase much faster than the average.” from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos115.htm
Best answer:
Answer by Tink
If you want to do forensic psych you better go for a PhD.
A masters will get you nothing. Its the consolation prize for not kjumping for the ring…and people in the field know that its practically worthless.
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Forensic Psychology courses at the School of Psychology
Dr Catherine Hamilton discusses the forensic psychology courses on offer at the School of Psychology here at the University of Birmingham. www.birmingham.ac.uk
Video Rating: 5 / 5
whatisforensicpsychology.org What Is Forensic Psychology, Forensic Psychology Degree, forensic psychology, universities, forensic psychology salary, jobs in forensic psychology When you wonder what the heck is forensic psychology, you are considering a branch of psychology that deals with the way people think and behave in conjunction with what is determined right and lawful by the legal justice system.
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Q&A: Requirements to study forensic anthropology?
Question by Clandestine: Requirements to study forensic anthropology?
All I have is a high school diploma. What do I have to have or achieve to simply BEGIN studying forensic anthropology? Can I begin studying it without a basic 4-year education from a university? Also, I was homeschooled through high school, would this have any effect?
Any help would be appreciated.
Best answer:
Answer by bettymomjeans
You would need an undergraduate degree and probably a graduate degree. The University of Montana has a pretty good program so applying there would be a good start. Also check out collegeboard.com for more information.
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what classes should you take to go to college for forensic science?
Question by : what classes should you take to go to college for forensic science?
i am taking criminal justice this year (sophomore year of high school) and i’ll hopefully take forensics next year but what grades do you need to go to college for forensic science? and what should you do outside of school to get into college for forensic science?
Best answer:
Answer by Riley Lee
Nothing special it’s just a major in college. Take extra science classes for electives (those are more important than law enforcement since you want to be a scientist). Obviously try to get good grades but the grades you need depend on the school more than the major.
Add your own answer in the comments!
Subscribe to Forensic Anthropology Schools by Email
Related Posts:
what classes should you take to go to college for forensic science?
Question by : what classes should you take to go to college for forensic science?
i am taking criminal justice this year (sophomore year of high school) and i’ll hopefully take forensics next year but what grades do you need to go to college for forensic science? and what should you do outside of school to get into college for forensic science?
Best answer:
Answer by Riley Lee
Nothing special it’s just a major in college. Take extra science classes for electives (those are more important than law enforcement since you want to be a scientist). Obviously try to get good grades but the grades you need depend on the school more than the major.
What do you think? Answer below!
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Q&A: What is the difference between forensic anthropology and forensic science?
Question by : What is the difference between forensic anthropology and forensic science?
I want to work with bones and figure out the cause of death. Yet i am nor sure which one is the best option for me. Or what i should major in, if anyone could help i would highly appreciate it. I would also like to know which one pays more assuming i get a PHD on either on.
Best answer:
Answer by OwlBones
Double major, Anthropology and Bio-Chem. Then you can get a PHD in Anthropology and do whatever you want. The Bio-Chem will help you SO much.
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