Forensic anthropologists provide expert analysis of the skeleton in a medicolegal setting by utilizing methods developed in skeletal biology, archaeology, and the forensic sciences. Forensic anthropologists play critical roles in identifying victims of mass fatalities, homicides, and distinguishing cause and manner of death. Forensic anthropologists provide information on the identity of the deceased and the circumstances of their death. They also assist in the search, recovery, and identification of human remains.

The forensic anthropology minor is interdisciplinary with electives in archaeology, biological anthropology, sociology, biology, and biomedical sciences. Students that complete the minor will acquire skills that are valuable to careers in law enforcement and crime scene investigation. These skills are also in demand in medical examiner and coroner offices, educational institutions, museums, and state and federal agencies.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion, students will be able to: 

  1. Describe the medicolegal system and the role of forensic anthropology within this system.
  2. Differentiate between human skeletal remains and non-human skeletal remains in whole or fragmentary pieces. 
  3. Evaluate the efficacy of anthropological methods used in forensic science. 
  4. Visually differentiate and classify trauma and pathology by type and interpret the timing of when those events occurred. 
  5. Analyze skeletal remains and apply proper standards, guidelines, and appropriate methods. 
  6. Create a forensic case report.
  7. Implement and adhere to personal and professional forensic ethical standards.

To declare this minor, please email department Academic Success Coordinator Keri Canada: Keri.Canada@colostate.edu.

Effective Fall 2025

Additional coursework may be required due to prerequisites.

Students must satisfactorily complete the total credits required for the minor. Minors and interdisciplinary minors require 12 or more upper-division (300- to 400-level) credits.

Required Courses:
ANTH 275/SOC 275Introduction to Forensic Anthropology3
ANTH 372Human Osteology3
ANTH 474Human Skeleton Analysis3
Select one course from the following:3-4
ANTH 120
Human Origins and Variation (GT-SC2)
BZ 101
Humans and Other Animals (GT-SC2)
BZ 110
Principles of Animal Biology (GT-SC2)
LIFE 102
Attributes of Living Systems (GT-SC1)
Select one course from the following:3
ANTH 140
Introduction to Archaeology (GT-HI1)
ANTH 274
Human Diversity (GT-SC2)
SOC 253
Intro to Criminology and Criminal Justice
Select a minimum of 6 credits from the following: 16
ANTH 365
Quantifying Anthropology
ANTH 420
Digital Digging--Geophysics in Archaeology
ANTH 465
Zooarchaeology
BMS 300
Principles of Human Physiology
BMS 301
Human Gross Anatomy
BMS 302
Laboratory in Principles of Physiology 2
BMS 305
Domestic Animal Gross Anatomy
BZ 360
Bioinformatics and Genomics
SOC 353
Criminal Investigations
Program Total Credits:21-22
1

A minimum of 3 credits must have an ANTH prefix.

2

Must be taken concurrently with BMS 300.