By: Anna Giorgi
Updated: January 7, 2026
Learn to become a forensic anthropologist
A forensic anthropologist is a highly specialized professional that combines human biology, archaeology and forensic science to bring clarity to cases involving human remains. These experts are scientists trained to analyze human skeletal remains in a legal context. They play an essential role in criminal investigations, human rights work and disaster responses. Read on to learn how to become a forensic anthropologist and the type of work involved in this profession.
In this Article
What is a forensic anthropologist?
A forensic anthropologist examines skeletal (bones and teeth) and fully fleshed human remains to determine characteristics such as age at death, stature, sex and ancestry. These characteristics can help to establish the unknown identity of a decedent (deceased individual). They also help identify injuries and estimate the time since death. In addition to providing key identification details, forensic anthropologists often assist in the search and recovery of human remains.
“If a decedent is unidentified, a forensic anthropologist can estimate their biological profile from their bones and provide information such as age and sex to help narrow down missing persons files. If a suspected identity is found, forensic anthropologists may be asked to perform radiographic comparisons to contribute to a positive identification,” said Heather Garvin, PhD, D-ABFA, Board Certified Forensic Anthropologist, and Professor of Anatomy at Des Moines University.
The expert input of a forensic anthropologist can help investigators identify a deceased person and provide valuable information to families, law enforcement officials, human rights organizations and historians about a deceased person and the circumstances of their death.
How can I become a forensic anthropologist?
Becoming a forensic anthropologist requires extensive specialized education, which can take six to 10 years. “Most forensic anthropologists have a doctorate (e.g., PhD) in anthropology or a related field (e.g., anatomy) and, at present, most jobs require a PhD. If someone were interested in pursuing forensic anthropology, I would suggest an undergraduate degree in anthropology, the biological sciences or a combination of both, as the job requires use of both anthropological and scientific principles. Many then go on to earn a master’s degree, prior to a PhD,” Garvin said.
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
The foundational educational requirement for forensic anthropologists is a bachelor’s degree, typically in one of the following majors:
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Biology
- Forensic science
Key coursework includes studies in human evolution, skeletal anatomy, genetics, archaeology, osteology, chemistry and statistics. Students are encouraged to gain lab experience and fieldwork through internships or archaeological digs.
2. Earn a master’s degree
Many aspiring forensic anthropologists pursue a master’s degree in biological anthropology or forensic anthropology before a PhD. “There are several master’s programs across the country that are specific to forensic anthropology. These programs focus on the application of forensic anthropological methods and may involve some exposure to casework,” Garvin said.
A master’s degree typically offers:
- Advanced practice in skeletal analysis
- Opportunities for research and thesis work
- Hands-on lab and field training
3. Earn a PhD in anthropology
A PhD is typically essential for professional practice, university teaching and casework. The PhD involves courses related to biological anthropology, forensic anthropology, anatomy and statistics.
Doctoral students typically:
- Advanced practice in skeletal analysis
- Opportunities for research and thesis work
- Hands-on lab and field training
Some students pursue additional research, field training, a forensic sciences fellowship or work with a medical examiner’s office to deepen practical experience. “There is no required formal apprenticeship, however, gaining case experience is integral to being successful in the field. This case exposure may come from graduate school experiences or internships, and students should look to apply to programs that have active, board-certified forensic anthropologists that can act as their mentors,” Garvin said.
4. Apply for professional certification
Earning professional certifications can help establish your credibility as a forensic anthropologist. This credential may also expand your career opportunities. It proves you’ve met established educational, experience and examination criteria to demonstrate your knowledge in forensic anthropology.
“There are no licenses or required credentials to practice forensic anthropology—however, seeking board certification through the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA) is highly encouraged and many employers or consulting medicolegal agencies require board-certification. The ABFA is the only approved certification body for forensic anthropologists in the U.S.,” Garvin said.
The American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA) has a multilevel certification program that includes two distinct levels:
- Analyst (A-ABFA): This foundational certification with a minimum master’s degree requirement certifies foundational lab skills and theoretical knowledge. A training log and involvement in forensic anthropology are required. It is a prerequisite for the ABFA Diplomate application.
- Diplomate (D-ABFA): This advanced certification requires a PhD or equivalent, and significant, sustained casework. Candidates must pass a rigorous, comprehensive written and practical exam.
5. Seek employment as a forensic anthropologist
Consider your preferred work environment and interests when seeking employment. Factors such as your geographic location can impact the types of roles available for an early career forensic anthropologist.
“Forensic anthropology originally evolved from academics, with experts working at museums or teaching at universities, while also providing forensic anthropology services upon request. This is still true for many forensic anthropologists, including myself. We teach at universities, typically either in anthropology or anatomy departments, and perform casework as needed for nearby agencies,” Garvin said.
More recently, forensic anthropologists can find employment in medical examiners’ offices, where they may perform expanded duties as full-time staff members. “This is particularly true in larger, more urban cities. They perform forensic anthropology analyses and are often asked to consult during autopsies. Some may have additional responsibilities, such as acting as a death investigator or being in charge of human identification. They may also be asked to assist at scenes,” Garvin said.
Forensic anthropologists also work with human rights organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the United Nations, as well as other entities committed to identifying victims of human rights abuses, disasters and wars.
6. Pursue membership in a professional association
Membership in a professional organization for forensic anthropologists can help you connect with like-minded professionals, expand your professional connections in the field and take advantage of continuing education opportunities. Depending on the organization, membership may also include mentorship/career planning support, access to job boards and attendance at meetings and conventions.
Key professional associations for forensic anthropologists include:
- American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA)
- American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
- Society of Forensic Anthropologists (SOFA)
Salary and employment outlook for forensic anthropologists
The salary you earn as a forensic anthropologist can vary based on your education, the state in which you work, demand and work environment. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not report specifically for forensic anthropologists, the median annual salary for the broad category of anthropologists and archaeologists is $64,910. In this category, the median annual salary for the lowest 10% of anthropologists and archaeologists is $44,510 and the highest 10% earned more than $104,510.
The employment outlook for this occupational category is promising. The BLS projects job growth for anthropologists and archaeologists at 4% through 2034, about as fast as the average projected growth rate for all occupations during that time.
Another useful data point for estimating earning potential is the salary information for postsecondary anthropology and archaeology teachers, since many forensic anthropologists work in academia as professors. The BLS reports that this group has a median annual salary of $95,770, quite a bit higher than anthropologists and archaeologists on their own.
Day-to-day life of a forensic anthropologist
The specific duties that you perform can vary based on your employer, work environment and the type of case being investigated. For most forensic anthropologists, no two days look the same. They typically include a mixture of science, investigation, instruction and sometimes field work.
A forensic anthropologist may be involved in the following daily tasks:
Essential skills and qualities
Success as a forensic anthropologist requires a blend of scientific expertise, strong critical thinking skills and specific competencies and traits. “It is also important to know your limits and I would encourage anyone interested in the field to observe an autopsy, as not all of our work is with clean bones. I also encourage students to research current job opportunities. Looking through job postings can give you an idea of the number of positions available, pay level, job responsibilities and what employers are looking for when hiring,” Garvin said.
Having the following skills and qualities can help you succeed as a forensic anthropologist:
Technical skills
- Osteology and anatomy expertise:
- A deep understanding of the human skeleton, bone development and pathology is a necessary foundation.
- Taphonomy and decomposition knowledge:
- A forensic anthropologist evaluates how remains change after death and how to interpret the changes.
- Archaeological field methods and excavation techniques:
- Skill in recovering remains without contaminating evidence is necessary to reach conclusions while preserving samples.
- Trauma analysis:
- Expertise in interpreting bone trauma at the time of death or before death helps tell the story of the deceased.
- Statistical analysis:
- Use of data for research findings and biological profile estimation of traits like age and sex from skeletal remains helps offset uncertainty and ensure objectivity in conclusions.
- Report writing:
- The ability to create clear, detailed and accurate case reports for legal use is essential for legal proceedings.
- Forensic imaging and analytical tools:
- Education in industry-standard tools and technology such as X-ray machines and microscopes is needed for evaluating and documenting remains.
- Digital and photographic skills:
- Strong photography and computer skills are needed for documenting, storing and reporting data.
Personal qualities
- Attention to detail:
- Small findings can significantly influence a case.
- Critical and analytical thinking:
- Careful reasoning and consideration of scientifically valid conclusions is necessary.
- Collaboration:
- Forensic anthropologists frequently work together with diverse audiences, such as families and professionals in law enforcement, the legal system and medical fields.
- Communication skills:
- Conveying information effectively through written (reports and publications) and verbal (court testimony and collaboration) channels ensures that conclusions can be used as intended.
- Emotional resilience:
- The ability to handle sensitive and potentially distressing cases is essential for maintaining objectivity and professionalism in this work.
- Ethical judgment:
- Forensic anthropologists must commit to integrity and accuracy, since their conclusions can have far-reaching impact, especially in legal contexts.
- Patience and persistence:
- In some cases and research, conclusions can take a long time to reach, spanning months or even years.
- Lifelong learning:
- A commitment to remain engaged through research, continuing education and professional development is necessary to succeed in the profession.
Rewards and challenges of being a forensic anthropologist
The role of a forensic anthropologist can be professionally challenging and personally rewarding. “I love applying my knowledge and skills to help bring closure, and at times justice, to families. While the decedent is the focus of the forensic anthropological evaluation, it is ultimately the surviving loved ones who carry the emotional weight of the case,” Garvin said.
In some cases, forensic anthropologists can help families find closure after waiting decades for the resolution of a cold case or the return of their soldier’s remains. “There is a fairly large contingency of forensic anthropologists employed by the federal government through the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), where they work to help identify unaccounted for military personnel from past war conflicts, including WWII, the Vietnam War and the Korean War. DPAA will send forensic anthropologists out in the field, e.g., Southeast Asia, to search for and recover remains from sites. In the lab, they work to identify the decedents, to then be able to return these individuals and bring closure to their families,” Garvin said.
When planning a career as a forensic anthropologist, it’s also important to consider that you’re likely to find fierce competition for a limited number of full-time opportunities after completing your education. “It is a relatively small field and although we’re seeing an increase in forensic anthropology jobs being posted, there still are not that many job opportunities, and as such, the jobs posted can be fairly competitive,” Garvin said.
Since few organizations employ full-time forensic anthropologists, it’s not uncommon to work on an as-needed consulting basis in this field. Consider how this might impact your lifestyle, professional and personal goals after graduation. Weigh your choice to pursue this profession by considering current salaries against practical factors like potential educational debt.
“Many forensic anthropologists perform casework in addition to their full-time jobs, and calls can come at any time, day or night,” Garvin said. “Depending on the area you are in, you could potentially go weeks or months without a case. Not every death requires a forensic anthropological assessment, and it’s difficult to predict the frequency at any one time. In these situations, teaching (and training future forensic anthropologists) is your primary employment and source of income.”
Despite its inherent challenges, a career as a forensic anthropologist offers the opportunity to use science as a tool to support the pursuit of justice. “The work can also be emotionally demanding. But for me, it’s absolutely worth it. I love what I do and find it deeply gratifying, knowing that my work can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” Garvin said.