Forensic Anthropology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Forensic Anthropology is an advanced interdisciplinary field dedicated to the scientific analysis of human remains within legal and investigative contexts. This program equips students with the specialized knowledge and technical skills required to contribute to medicolegal death investigations, particularly in cases involving unidentified or decomposed human remains.
- Biological Anthropology Theory: Explores the evolutionary and biological foundations of human variation, providing context for interpreting skeletal remains within broader human history and diversity.
- Crime Scene Investigation: Teaches systematic approaches to securing, documenting, and analyzing outdoor and indoor crime scenes where human remains may be found.
- Forensic Anthropology Field Methods: Focuses on proper excavation techniques, evidence recovery protocols, and spatial documentation essential for preserving the integrity of skeletal evidence.
- Forensic Anthropological Techniques and Procedures: Covers standardized methodologies for analyzing bone trauma, age, sex, ancestry, and stature estimation using skeletal indicators.
- Human Anatomy: Provides a detailed understanding of skeletal and muscular systems, critical for accurate interpretation of postmortem changes and injury patterns.
- Methods of Human Identification: Introduces statistical and comparative approaches to identifying individuals through skeletal markers, dental records, and other biological data.
- Mortuary Archaeology: Examines the archaeological context of burial practices and human remains, aiding in reconstructing cultural and historical behaviors related to death.
- Osteology: Involves in-depth study of human bones, including morphology, structure, and function, forming the core of forensic analysis.
- Taphonomy: Investigates the processes affecting remains after death, such as decomposition, environmental exposure, and scavenging, to determine postmortem intervals and disturbance.
Forensic Anthropology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Forensic Anthropology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Forensic Anthropology degrees, including Managers, All Other, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists and Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 820,060 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists 19-1042 | $100,590 | $61,860 - $168,210 | 156,300 | $48.36 |
| Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1061 | $95,770 | $51,380 - $169,090 | 5,260 | N/A |
| Forensic Science Technicians 19-4092 | $67,440 | $45,560 - $110,710 | 19,450 | $32.42 |
| Anthropologists and Archeologists 19-3091 | $64,910 | $44,510 - $104,510 | 8,070 | $31.21 |
Forensic Anthropology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $66,096 in Arkansas to $133,975 in Delaware—a 103% difference. The highest-paying states include Delaware, District of Columbia, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 820,060 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Forensic Anthropology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 5 institutions offering Forensic Anthropology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Forensic Anthropology is found at The University of Montana (UM) (25 graduates), Waynesburg University (12 graduates), University of Wisconsin (UWO), Oshkosh (11 graduates), Boston University (BU) (10 graduates), and East Carolina University (ECU) (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 62 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Montana (UM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
25 | Missoula, Montana | Public | umt.edu |
| Waynesburg University |
Bachelor's
|
12 | Waynesburg, Pennsylvania | Private | waynesburg.edu |
| University of Wisconsin (UWO) |
Other Award
|
11 | Oshkosh, Wisconsin | Public | uwosh.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Master's
|
10 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Other Award
|
4 | Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Forensic Anthropology programs
How much can I earn with a Forensic Anthropology degree?
Salaries for Forensic Anthropology graduates vary by role and location. Managers, All Other earn a median of $136,550 annually, while Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn around $100,590. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Delaware average $133,975 compared to $66,096 in Arkansas. Approximately 820,060 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Forensic Anthropology programs?
Currently 5 accredited institutions offer Forensic Anthropology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include The University of Montana (UM) (25 graduates), Waynesburg University (12 graduates), and University of Wisconsin (UWO), Oshkosh (11 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Forensic Anthropology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Managers, All Other, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, and Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 820,060 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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