Forensic Anthropology Minor
The forensic anthropology minor will accommodate those with an interest in law enforcement, students who intend to work as crime scene technicians, and students who are planning to pursue post-graduate education in legal or forensic science fields. The minor will also prepare students for graduate work specifically in forensic anthropology or another specialization in bioanthropology.
What is forensic anthropology?
Forensic anthropology is the application of bioanthropology to the legal system and humanitarian matters. Forensic anthropologists apply standard scientific techniques to locate and recover suspicious remains, then work to evaluate the age, sex, ancestry, stature, and other individualizing characteristics of a decedent from the skeleton.
What can I do with a minor in forensic anthropology?
A minor in forensic anthropology will provide participation in law enforcement practices and forensic lab experiences. Forensic anthropology skills are in demand in educational settings, museums, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), law enforcement agencies, medical examiner and coroner offices, private companies, or as part of federal level response teams such as a Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT).
We offer TWO forensic anthropology tracks to help tailor the minor toward students’ specific practical needs.
Track 1: Forensic Anthropology Minor Degree Plan
(criminal justice majors)
CORE ANTHROPOLOGY CREDITS (12 credits)
Students may take either the criminal justice or anthropology course option:
- CJ 322 or ANTH 322: Forensic Anthropology (4)
- CJ 328 or ANTH 328: Forensic Osteology (4)
- CJ 443 or ANTH 443: Advanced Forensic Anthropology (4)
Choose 3 of the following courses (12 credits)
- ANTH 214: Physical Anthropology (4)
- ANTH 215: Archaeology (4)
- ANTH 216: Cultural Anthropology (4)
- ANTH 311: Human Evolution (4)
- ANTH 313: North American Prehistory (4)
- ANTH 324: Anthropological Theory (4)
- ANTH 392: Applied Anthropology (4)
- ANTH 432: Human Rights (4)
- CJ 321: Principles of Forensic Investigation (4)
- CJ 327: Research Methods in Criminal Justice (4)
- CJ 333 or ANTH 333: Forensic DNA Analysis (4)
- CJ 372 or ANTH 372: Social Constructions of Race (4)
- CJ 427: Quantitative Methods in Criminal Justice (4)
- PSY 336: Intro to Forensic Psychology (4)
TOTAL: 24 credits
Track 2: Forensic Anthropology Minor Degree Plan
(all other majors)
CORE ANTHROPOLOGY CREDITS (12 credits)
Students may take either the criminal justice or anthropology course option:
- CJ 322 or ANTH 322: Forensic Anthropology (4)
- CJ 328 or ANTH 328: Forensic Osteology (4)
- CJ 443 or ANTH 443: Advanced Forensic Anthropology (4)
Choose 3 of the following courses (12 credits)
- ANTH 214: Physical Anthropology (4)
- ANTH 215: Archaeology (4)
- ANTH 216: Cultural Anthropology (4)
- ANTH 311: Human Evolution (4)
- ANTH 313: North American Prehistory (4)
- ANTH 324: Anthropological Theory (4)
- ANTH 392: Applied Anthropology (4)
- ANTH 432: Human Rights (4)
- CJ 213: Introduction to Criminal Justice (4)
- CJ 219: Ethics and Leadership in Criminal Justice (4)
- CJ 321: Principles of Forensic Investigation (4)
- CJ 327: Research Methods in Criminal Justice (4)
- CJ 333 or ANTH 333: Forensic DNA Analysis (4)
- CJ 372 or ANTH 372: Social Constructions of Race (4)
- CJ 427: Quantitative Methods in Criminal Justice (4)
- PSY 336: Intro to Forensic Psychology (4)
TOTAL: 24 credits
Forensic Anthropology News
PODCAST
Cabin Femur: Forensic Anthropology in the Age of Quarantine
Two Western Oregon University forensic anthropology professors discuss forensic anthropology: what it is, how it works, how it’s changing.
NOW AVAILABLE TO STREAM ON:
Contact the Criminal Justice Sciences Division
We look forward to hearing from you! Additionally, please explore our website for more information about our degrees and programs.
