I want to be a forensic anthropologist?

Question

i want to become a forensic anthropologist. i live in new york are ther any colleges that i can go to to study forensics and where can i go to study anthropology? When i become a forensic anthropologist i want to work with the FBI and help solve cases, how can i get intouch and work for the FBI?

Answer 1

This site below should answer all of your questions.  It describes the field of Forensic Anthropology and lists the schools which have programs in that study.  

http://www.forensicanthro.com/

Forensic Anthropology is a specialized form of Physical Anthropology and your college work will involve many science courses in Biology and Chemistry.  If you have a chance to take AP courses in those studies in high school it will give you a good foundation.  

If you hope to work for an organization like the FBI some day, be sure to keep your legal record clean (no drunk driving, no illegal drug use, etc.)  Remember that organizations like the FBI only use the top people in their fields, many of whom have Masters or PhD degrees or even medical degrees.  There are more jobs with city or state police department than at the federal level.  

Also, Forensic Anthropology is an interesting field but don't expect it to be as exciting and glamorous as the TV programs portray it.  Remember, you will be dealing with human remains -- a lot of the work is boring with long hours and some of it requires a strong stomach.

Answer 2

Well first off you need to realize that forensics is only one part of the whole discipline of anthropology.  Anthropology in the US consists of four recognized subfields whtich are Cultural Anthropology, Physical Anthropology, Archaeology, and Lingustics (with applied anthropology being an unrecognized fifth).  Undergraduate studies in anthropology will most probably concentrate on the discipline as a whole so the probability that you will become a forensic anthropologist right out of college with a bachelor's degree is highly unlikely.  You will need a graduate degree in anthropology with a concentration in physical anthropology.  Most people who go into anthropology thinking it is one thing come out of it realizing they had no clue what it really entails (myself included).  My advice would be to take classes in anthropology and decide if you want to major in it.  Then when you get close to completing your major, find a graduate program that has a strong physical anthropology program.  UPENN, UT (Knoxville), LSU are ones that come to mind.  Good luck!

Answer 3

Take things one step at a time.  The FBI isn't something that you simply get into.  Go to school, enjoy that experience, and take things as they come.  John Jay College of Criminal Justice has forensics, I believe.  If you're truly interested in anthropology, get into a good program, get your bachelors degree and then get your Ph.D. -- that is what the FBI would look for, an expert.