1 answer
Alice
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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How much school do you have to go through to become an anthropologist?
Hi there!I’m a middle schooler in 8th grade, I’m interested in becoming a forensic anthropologist and I wonder about the pros and cons of becoming one. How much money is made in a year as a forensic anthropologist ? How many hours do they work in a week?
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1 answer
Robiah Thabit
Process Engineer
13
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Robiah’s Answer
Hi Alice,
Forensic anthropology is an interesting field.
To become a forensic anthropologist, you’ll usually need quite a bit of school. Most start with a bachelor’s degree (about 4 years) in subjects like anthropology, biology, or forensic science. After that, you would need a master’s degree (2 more years), and then usually a PhD (about 4–6 years). So, in total, you’re looking at around 10–12 years of college and graduate school after high school.
Pros: you get to solve mysteries, work with law enforcement, and help families find answers. It’s a mix of science and detective work, which can be exciting and meaningful.
Cons: it takes many years of study, and the work can sometimes be emotionally hard because you’re dealing with human remains. Jobs can also be competitive, so you have to be dedicated.
As for the money, I’m not certain, because it really depends on the region and type of job (university, museum, government, or law enforcement).
Work hours also vary. Many forensic anthropologists work around 40 hours a week, but if they’re helping with an active case, the hours can be longer or less predictable.
Since you’re still in middle school, the best step you can take now is to focus on science and history, read about anthropology, and maybe visit museums or watch documentaries on forensic science. That will help you decide if this path is right for you.
Forensic anthropology is an interesting field.
To become a forensic anthropologist, you’ll usually need quite a bit of school. Most start with a bachelor’s degree (about 4 years) in subjects like anthropology, biology, or forensic science. After that, you would need a master’s degree (2 more years), and then usually a PhD (about 4–6 years). So, in total, you’re looking at around 10–12 years of college and graduate school after high school.
Pros: you get to solve mysteries, work with law enforcement, and help families find answers. It’s a mix of science and detective work, which can be exciting and meaningful.
Cons: it takes many years of study, and the work can sometimes be emotionally hard because you’re dealing with human remains. Jobs can also be competitive, so you have to be dedicated.
As for the money, I’m not certain, because it really depends on the region and type of job (university, museum, government, or law enforcement).
Work hours also vary. Many forensic anthropologists work around 40 hours a week, but if they’re helping with an active case, the hours can be longer or less predictable.
Since you’re still in middle school, the best step you can take now is to focus on science and history, read about anthropology, and maybe visit museums or watch documentaries on forensic science. That will help you decide if this path is right for you.