Careers that Involve Bones - Osteologist

Osteologist

What does a Osteologist do?

Animals and human skeletons support the body and protect the organs.  However, they also tell a story to tell.  Osteologists are trained to read and translate a bone's story.  This skill provides information that helps us better understand ancient cultures, solve mysteries, and learn about animals.  Being an Osteologist provides a variety of job opportunities.  With training, an osteologist is able to tell the gender, age, race, and sometimes even the occupation of a person based only their skeletal remains.

Salary for an Osteologist

A salary for an osteologist ranges between $39,000 - $102,000.

Requirements to become an Osteologist

Undergraduate Training

Becoming a osteologist begins with a solid undergraduate education, usually with a major in anthropology.  Students also should take science courses, especially courses in genetics, biology, and anatomy.

Graduate Education

After completing the bachelor's degree, students should begin working towards a master's degree or Ph.D specializing in forensic anthropology.  Forensic anthropology is closely related to osteology and it will help in the forensic work.  

Graduate Courses

Graduate courses to become a osteologist involve numerous classes in physical anthropology, focusing on various physical aspects of human beings, such as bones, evolution, development, nutrition and disease.  Much of the work of forensic anthropologist involves the analysis of skeletal evidence.

Time Frame

Becoming a osteologist is an expensive and time-consuming process.  Earning a masters's degree requires about two or three years in addition to the bachelor's degree.  The time required to complete a Ph.D varies widely, but usually requires five to eight additional years of study.