Undergraduate Students

Forensic Anthropology Opportunities for Undergraduates

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Anthropology
  • Minor in Anthropology
  • No degree in Forensic Anthropology is offered
  • Courses in Forensic Anthropology are offered: ANTH 2014 (Intro to Forensic Anthropology) and ANTH 4014 (Forensic Anthropology)
  • Other courses related to Forensic Anthropology and Osteology are offered sporadically including ANTH 3014 (Bone, Bodies, and Disease), ANTH 3143 (Dental Anthropology), ANTH 4010 (Human Osteology), and special topics courses (ANTH 3997 and ANTH 4997)
  • Undergraduates with an interest in Forensic Anthropology may apply for opportunities to learn in the FACES Laboratory. Material may include skeletal analysis and assisting with projects and research. Further details on the SDL Program can be found below.

Self-Directed Learner (SDL) Program

The SDL Program provides opportunities for undergraduate students to learn more about the "real world" of Forensic Anthropology and gain experience with human osteology. The program is designed to provide motivated students with a space to learn and practice foundational skills. Students who meet the minimum eligibility qualifications may apply. 

 

The applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted throughout the school year. 

Minimum Eligibility Qualifications

  • Enrolled as a full-time student at LSU - Baton Rouge
  • Declared Anthropology Major, with a preferred Biological Anthropology subfield. Anthropology minors may be considered if there are vacancies in the program.
  • Sophomore level or above at the start of the semester that application is submitted
  • Minimum cumulative LSU GPA of 3.0 at the time of application
  • Able to commit to at least 2-3 hours of laboratory time each week

Benefits of Program

  • Gain practical experience in human bone identification and biological profile estimation
  • Exposure to other forensic-related agencies and activities
  • Networking with other undergraduate students with common interests, as well as FACES lab graduate students and professional staff
  • Potential to participate in research projects
  • Reference for employment or graduate school

Application Process

Initial Steps

    • New SDL applications are accepted throughout the school year. Summer applications will not be considered.
    • Fill out and submit the application provided below. All application materials should be sent to Dr. Wilson (tvwilson@lsu.edu).
    • Submit your statement of interest (200-500 words) explaining why you want to volunteer in the FACES Lab.
    • Submit your hours of availability for the current semester between the hours of 8:00AM and 4:30PM Monday through Friday.
    • Pending an invitation, schedule and attend meeting with the Assistant Director.

Review Process

    • All applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
    • Once an application has been reviewed and Minimum Eligibility Requirements are verified, the Assistant Director will contact the student to schedule a meeting. Preference for SDL slots will be given to upperclassmen. If there are currently no SDL spots open, students with approved applications will be placed on a waiting list. These applicants may be admitted to the SDL Program if a slot opens up. Students who are denied admittance to the SDL program are welcome to reapply the following semester.

Reasons that Applications May be Denied

    • Incomplete application was received.
    • Applicant does not meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements.
    • Statement of Interest (included in Application) is poorly written and/or does not meet the word minimum.

Students Who are Admitted to the SDL Program

    • Students who are admitted to the program will be notified via email.
    • Students must reply to the Assistant Director to indicate their acceptance and submit their final school schedule within one week of the date of notification. Failure to respond within the given time frame will result in the automatic loss of SDL status.
    • Once an SDL attends a mandatory orientation meeting and completes online laboratory safety modules, instructions for signing up for SDL time will be provided.

SDL Program Application

 

 

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