By: Raechel Howard

 Forensic anthropology is the application of the science of physical or biological anthropology to the legal process. Physical or biological anthropologists who specialize in forensics primarily focus their studies on the human skeleton.

 The average salary for these jobs can be anywhere from $35,000 to $50,000 when starting out, but those entering the world of academia can expect much higher salaries. Most professors with doctorate degrees in forensic anthropology will earn starting salaries of around $50,000 and can earn upwards of $100,000.

 It might be possible to begin a career in forensic anthropology as a forensic technician with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. But a PhD in anthropology is required to be a forensic anthropologist, along with graduate-level training in human biology, biomedical forensic science, applied forensic science, anatomy, skeletal biology, archaeological field methods, legal evidence, statistics, genetics and pathology.  Certification by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology is also required by many employers and is important for career advancement. The vast majority of forensic anthropologists are employed as physical anthropologists by academic research institutions and do work for crime laboratories or offices of medical examiners and coroners on a consulting basis.

 Another aspect of forensic anthropology is determining the cause of death. Forensic anthropologists can often determine, by studying marks and features of the present teeth and bones, what types of trauma those remains went through. This trauma could be due to violence, disease or decay. This information can help police officers build a case or close a case, depending upon the information the forensic anthropologist provides.  A forensic anthropologist will use their knowledge of anthropology in a legal setting, typically to assist detectives in solving cases or identifying human remains. This might include identifying teeth and bones, using the existing evidence to build data surrounding the individual the remains belonged to and determining the approximate age, height, weight and race of the individual, among other identifying features. Forensic anthropologists do not continuously work with law enforcement, but may be called upon when their assistance is needed.

 media-media_pg/anthropologie- anthropology/video/37/ media-media_pg/anthropologie- anthropology/video/37/

 shows/curiosity/topics/forensic- anthropology-quiz.htm shows/curiosity/topics/forensic- anthropology-quiz.htm