Forensic anthropology is the application of anatomy, biological anthropology and osteology to aid in the recovery, analysis and identification of human remains within medical and legal contexts. This specialized field is an applied area of biological anthropology, combining the science, methods and technologies of biological anthropology with archaeology, the study of fossilization and other related fields such as forensic pathology, dental anthropology, medical anthropology and biomedical engineering.

Why choose forensic anthropology?

Forensic anthropologists are increasingly consulted to oversee excavation and recovery of human remains, conduct analyses of unidentified human remains and interpret skeletal trauma. Ohio State’s forensic anthropology program includes fieldwork courses, classes held in a state-of-the-art forensic research lab and internship opportunities with the Franklin County Forensic Science Center. 

What can you do with this degree?

Traditionally, forensic anthropologists worked in academic institutions and consulted for medical examiners or coroners. Today, many forensic anthropology positions are associated with the federal government and local coroner’s offices. The BS in forensic anthropology prepares you for graduate study in disciplines such as forensic anthropology, human skeletal biology and forensic pathology; medical school; work with coroner’s offices; autopsy technician careers.