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MSc in Forensic ArchaeologyBournemouth University, in the United Kingdom, offers a Master's program in forensic archaeology. This video gives an idea of what it might be like to study forensic archaeology. If this video seems like something you would be interested in, then a career in forensic archaeology might be something to pursue. Bournemouth requires a Bachelor's in archaeology, archaeological science, or professional experience in a relevant field in order to enter the forensic archaeology Master's program.
Visit Bournemouth's website for much more information on the program. |
Training and Qualifications:
Most archaeologists have not gone through the training to be able to participate in forensic archaeology. It requires much more experience beyond the knowledge and skill base of general archaeology. The following list of requirements was taken from an informational page published by the University of Indianapolis and gives a great idea of what it takes to become a forensic archaeologist:
- an M.A. or Ph.D. in anthropology, with formal graduate coursework in field archeology, laboratory analysis, and osteology under the supervision of qualified experts;
- fieldschools in archeological methods;
- experience directing the excavation of real archeological sites;
- experience in the excavation of archeological and forensic human burials;
- training in evidence collection and crime scene analysis;
- active membership in relevant professional organizations, such as the Society for American Archaeology, the Registry of Professional Archaeologists, and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences;
- a record of research, papers, and publications in the fields of both archeology and forensic archeology;
- trial experience
- a working knowledge of the human anatomy and an ability to identify all of the human bones
- many forensic archeologists are also board-certified in forensic anthropology
What they Do:
Since cases requiring a forensic archaeologist's expertise don't occur often enough, most forensic archaeologists are also professors, professional archaeologists, or work for museums. Often times, they only consult on crime scenes on the side. Unlike TV shows like "Bones," one city and its surrounding area will not have crimes requiring the assistance of forensic archaeologists on a daily basis, but instead these cases come along from time to time. An archaeologist may be called in on a missing person search, when unidentifiable bones are dug up at a construction site, or when police discover bones on or below the ground. They also may be called into court for cases they helped on, if their expert opinion helps to confirm or dismiss testimony or facts of the case.
Information to create this page adapted from:
Nawrocki S (1996). An Outline of Forensic Archeology. University of Indianapolis Archeology & Forensics Laboratory (http://archlab.uindy.edu).