How to Become A Forensic Archaeologist
Forensic archaeology has moved from an obscure science to a popular one, thanks to being featured in popular TV shows and in mystery novels. As a result, many people are interested in a career in forensic archaeologist, but aren't quite sure where to start or what they'll need. Fortunately, joining the ranks as a forensic technician is a fairly simple process that can be done by anybody with the proper training and experience.
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Instructions
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Achieve a Bachelor of Science in Archaeology. This will be important for several reasons; it will give you an understanding of archaeological science and will also ensure that you begin gathering field experience as soon as possible. Volunteer for any field experience in your department since it will help you later on in your career.
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Obtain a graduate degree in anthropology. Choose a graduate track that focuses on field archaeology, the analysis of bone and laboratory analysis work. This will be necessary since, frequently, you will be asked to visit homicide crime scenes and locate evidence, usually in crimes that have happened months or years ago. You will need to demonstrate your ability to sort different types of bone and analyze them from an archeological perspective.
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Train in general forensic science. This can be a second undergraduate degree, a master's degree or simply a series of courses. You will need a full understanding of forensics to be able to work effectively and understand what in an excavation site needs preserving and what can be disregarded.
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Perform as much field work as possible in your postgraduate work and author articles and papers about your field work. Focus in particular on sites that will be excavating and preserving human remains. Develop as much experience as possible in working with human remains and maintaining the integrity of a dig site.
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Join a professional organization, such as the Institute for Archaeologists. This will make you available to law enforcement organizations and will also serve as a professional credential. Ensure that the organization is aware of your field experience in excavating human remains and your interest in forensic archaeology
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References
- Photo Credit Archaeological excavations image by Proydakov from Fotolia.com
