Forensic Anthropology Center

What Does it Take to Become a Forensic

Anthropologist?
This information is geared towards high school, undergraduate, or new graduate students who are
interested in forensic anthropology and want to know more about the discipline.

Here at The University of Tennessee, we often receive questions from students who want to
know what forensic anthropology is, and how they can become involved. Hopefully, this page will
answer some of your questions!

The road to forensic anthropology can be a long one, but it is also very fulfilling. To use your skills to
help law enforcement agencies resolve crimes and mysteries is rewarding. But be prepared – it
involves years of study and training in school. You will need to earn a PhD degree in order to
practice forensic anthropology, and that means at least another eight to ten years of school after you
graduate high school!

Another factor to consider is this: while there are a few forensic anthropologists who work
independently (as part of a medical examiner’s office, for the military, etc.) the overwhelming
majority of forensic anthropologists work in universities. This means you will be a college professor
who teaches physical anthropology most of the time, and works on forensic anthropology cases
some of the time.

You also have to consider if you can deal with the sights, smells, and impact of death. Truly, this
work is not for the faint of heart – sights, sounds, odors and the tangible products of human
decomposition are everyday occurrences. Also, you will run across many sad and disturbing cases
that might affect you, so please make sure you are prepared. The good news is, however, that most
people who are serious about becoming forensic anthropologists are able to overcome these
obstacles.

Good Advice
Dr. Midori Albert, a forensic anthropologist at UNCW, has prepared her “Frequently Asked Questions
about Forensic Anthropology” website with answers to questions like what how do I find a graduate
program, what college courses do I need, at which universities can I study forensic anthropology,
and more.

Dr. Randy Skelton, a physical/forensic anthropologist at UM-Missoula, has prepared his “So You
Want to Be a Forensic Anthropologist” webpage with information that includes facts about forensic
anthropology, forensic sciences, job opportunities, universities that offer forensic anthropology
programs, and more.

If you think forensic anthropology is for you, your next step is to decide where to go to school.
Besides here at The University of Tennessee, there are other undergraduate and graduate programs
across the country.

Reddy has compiled a huge list of colleges and universities that offer all kinds of forensic programs.
Note that these include more than just forensic anthropology programs, and they are organized by
state and country. Very helpful!
More Sources for Information
 American Academy of Forensic Sciences
 American Board of Forensic Anthropology
 Forensic Anthropology and Human Osteology Resources

Retrieved from: https://fac.utk.edu/what-does-it-take-to-become-a-forensic-anthropologist/

Schools offering Anthropology courses in the

Philippines
A list of universities and colleges offering Anthropology courses in the Philippines. 
Whenever possible we provide full details about the courses in each of the schools,
including tuition fees, admission requirements, course description and the admission
phone number.
Order by:      

University of San Carlos

Catholic Private University, Cebu City, Cebu
Tuition fees
Bachelor's ₱ 60,000-90,000 per year
Master's ₱ 19,500-35,000 per year

✪
 Center of Excellence in Anthropology

Bachelor's courses

AB in Anthropology
 
Masters courses

MA in Anthropology
Doctorate courses

PhD in Anthropology
Silliman University
Private University, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
Tuition fees
Bachelor's ₱ 60,000-80,000 per year
Master's ₱ 20,500-40,000 per year
Bachelor's courses

AB in Anthropology
 
Masters courses

MA in Anthropology

University of the Philippines Mindanao

State University, Davao City, Davao
Tuition fees
Bachelor's ₱ 30,000-40,000 per year
Included in the Free Tuition Law 

Courses offered

BA in Anthropology
MORE INFO >

Ateneo de Manila University

Private University, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Tuition fees
Master's ₱ 50,000-70,000 per year
Courses offered

MA in Anthropology
Master in Applied Sociology and Anthropology
University of the Philippines Diliman
State University, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Tuition fees
Bachelor's ₱ 40,000-50,000 per year
Master's ₱ 5,800-12,000 per year
Included in the Free Tuition Law 

✪
 Center of Excellence in Anthropology

Bachelor's courses

B.A. in Anthropology
 
Masters courses

MA in Anthropology
Doctorate courses

PhD in Anthropology
Ph.D. in Education Area of Concentration in Anthropology/Sociology of Education

University of Southeastern Philippines - MintalCampus

State University, Davao City, Davao
Tuition fees
Bachelor's ₱ 14,000-20,000 per year
Included in the Free Tuition Law 

Courses offered

BA in Anthropology

La Consolacion University Philippines

Private University, Malolos City, Bulacan
Tuition fees
Master's ₱ 11,500-21,000 per year
 Courses offered

MA in Behavioral Science major in Anthropology

University of Southeastern Philippines

State University, Davao City, Davao
Tuition fees
Bachelor's ₱ 14,000-20,000 per year
Included in the Free Tuition Law 

Courses offered

BA in Anthropology

B.A. in Anthropology
at University of the Philippines Diliman
DURATION: 4 years Duration may change due to K12 integration 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 
The undergraduate program provides basic training in the four subdisciplines. The program has a
total of 129 units. This includes a semester long fieldwork training program under the guidance of a
faculty member serving as field school director. This will enable the students to apply the theories
and field techniques learned in the classroom to the field setting. All requirements for the degree
should be completed in six (6) years.

Career opportunities with undergraduate degrees include research, community work, and teaching.
The training in this course may also serve as a foundation for other related fields such as law, public
administration, medicine, management, community development and the arts. 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: 
Applicants must pass the UPCAT (UP College Admissions Test). Transferees from other UP units or
other academic institutions must have a general weighted average (GWA) of 1.5 or better to shift to
the anthropology program. A departmental committee may request applicants for other documents
to determine their eligibility for transfer. 

TUITION FEES: 
P 20,000-25,000 per semester 
P 40,000-50,000 per year 

Last updated: August 2017Note: This school is included in the Free Tuition Law
1. Tuition for bachelor's programs are for the 1st year.
2. Based on cash payments (installment rates are higher).
3. Tuition for foreign students is usually higher.
4. May not include all fees, and can change at any time.

MA in Anthropology
at University of the Philippines Diliman
DURATION: 2 years 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 
The master's curriculum consist of a minimum of twenty- four (24) units of coursework and six (6)
units of thesis. A student has five (5) years to complete the program. 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: 
1. Applicants should have a Bachelor's Degree or it's equivalent, with general weighted average
(GWA) of 2.0 or better.

2. A letter of application should be sent to the Chair, Department of Anthropology, with the
following documents:

• Two (2) copies of official transcript of academic records (undergraduate and graduate)
• A duly accomplished application form provided by the Department of Anthropology

• Three letters of recommendations from former professors/employers

• Two (2) passport size photos

• A bio-data

• A receipt of payment of application fee (Php. 100.00) for Filipino students; $25.00 for
International students

• A certification of English proficiency of at least 500 TOEFL score for international students. 

TUITION FEES: 
P 2,900-5,900 per semester 

P 5,800-12,000 per year 

Last updated: August 2017 

1. Based on cash payments (installment rates are higher).

2. Tuition for foreign students is usually higher.

3. May not include all fees, and can change at any time.

PhD in Anthropology
at University of the Philippines Diliman

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 
The doctoral program is designed to ensure the solid foundation and grounding in the field of
anthropology. The student begins to focus on their specific areas of research and specialization
upon completion of the core courses. A doctoral student must complete thirty six (36) units of
coursework and obtain a weighted average of 1.75 or better to qualify for the comprehensive
examination. After passing the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination, a student is considered a doctoral
candidate. The student then enrolls twelve (12) units for the Anthro 400 - Dissertation. A student
has six (6) years to complete the program. 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: 
1. Applicants should have a Master's Degree or it's equivalent, with general weighted average
(GWA) 0f 1.75 or better.

2. A letter of application should be sent to the Chair, Department of Anthropology, with the
following documents:

• Two (2) copies of official transcript of academic records (undergraduate and graduate)

• A duly accomplished application form provided by the Department of Anthropology

• Three letters of recommendations from former professors/employers

• Two (2) passport size photos

• A bio-data

• A receipt of payment of application fee (Php. 100.00) for Filipino students; $25.00 for
International students

• A certification of English proficiency of at least 500 TOEFL score for international students. 
Retrieved from: http://www.finduniversity.ph/anthropology-schools/