If you're interested in studying human bones in active legal cases and you're committed to justice, our Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science with emphasis in forensic anthropology may be the major for you! Our forensic science major offers a concentration in forensic anthropology, in which you'll take upper-division courses that focus on the analysis of human skeletal remains, along with the core forensic science courses. Our core forensic science curriculum is based on the core requirements of the Forensic Education Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
The time you'll need to complete the forensic anthropology major will vary based on your educational background, but the degree can be attained in four years. If you think you might be interested in majoring in forensic anthropology, we strongly encourage you to speak with the forensic biology advisor, , as quickly as possible about which classes to take and when. Many of our classes are not offered every semester, so working with the advisor will help you to ensure you can enroll in all of the required classes for a timely graduation.
Apply now to start your Forensic Anthropology Degree
Forensic Anthropology Hands-On Learning
When you major in forensic anthropology, you'll get plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning. Our skeletal teaching collection gives you the chance to experience working with a range of real human and animal bones, and our faculty consult on active cases for the state, which allows you the chance to learn from actual case experience. If you're interested in an internship to enhance your education with real-world experience and connections, we will endeavor to place you with a local agency during the school year, or to find a placement at the regional, state or national level over the break. We also strongly encourage you to design and conduct your own empirical research project with the help and supervision of our faculty, and then to present your results at a local or national conference.
Advising for the Forensic Anthropology Degree
As a forensic anthropology major, your faculty advisor will be a practicing forensic anthropologist who fully understands the expectations of training in the field, as well as the University requirements for a timely graduation. All of the forensic science faculty are committed to responsible academic advising, and will work to help you to negotiate the course offerings and timing. We are specialists in our areas of advising and we have a strong record of helping our students advance in the field of forensic science.
Forensic Anthropology Society
The Forensic Science Society (FSS) is organized and run by the students, so you'll get to take a role in deciding the focus and activities of the group, and you'll have the opportunity to take a leadership position on campus. In recent years, the FSS has taken field trips to various forensic facilities around the state, has participated in many campus-wide events, and contributed to a range of philanthropic projects to support the needs of the local community.
Scholarships and Financial Assistance for Forensic Anthropology Students
Eastern New Mexico University is committed to helping you finance your education. You can find more information about admissions scholarships and find out why more than $22 million in financial assistance was awarded to students last year. Additionally, many ENMU students work part-time jobs on campus to help finance their education.
Career Opportunities for Forensic Anthropology Majors
As a forensic anthropology major, you will be getting the broad science foundations that could lead to a career as:
- Crime scene investigator
- Medicolegal death investigator
- Crime lab technician
- Latent print examiner
- Autopsy/Morphology technician
- Biomedical testing specialist
- International human rights investigator
- Research lab technician
- High school science teacher
- College professor
In addition to the help that you advisor can offer you in searching and applying for a rewarding job, the ENMU Career Services offers job placement assistance to all students.
Learn more about career services for students
High School Courses to take if you want to get a Forensic Anthropology Degree
If you are interested in pursuing any aspect of forensic science, it's important to remember that it is applied science, so you can prepare by taking courses that will enhance your scientific knowledge and analytical skills, such as lab classes in chemistry, biology, physics, statistics and calculus. Other helpful courses are those that help you to write more effectively, and any class that helps you to master the use of computer hardware, software and other technology. Photography and sketching are always great skills to master to prepare for work in our field, as well!
Additional Forensic Anthropology Degree Information
Find additional information about the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science with a forensic anthropology concentration, including the courses you will take when you're a forensic anthropology major at ENMU.
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