Biological Anthropology Paths to Success

The following are examples of course sequences that a student may want to take to prepare them for specific jobs or careers

The listed courses for particular career paths are suggestions only, be sure to seek the advice of Keri Canada, your Academic Success Coordinator, as well as professors to choose courses best suited for your career endeavors. Also, be sure to consult the Biological Concentration checksheet so that you enroll in all the required courses. In addition, check the CSU Course catalog each semester as new courses are added often.

Primatologist

Some students may be interested in careers in conservation and ecotourism. Jobs for these careers are found at Jane Goodall Institute, Conservation International, Conservation Biology, The Nature Conservancy, and the African Wildlife Foundation.

  • ANTH 370 - Primates
  • ANTH 371 - Growing Up Primate
  • ANTH 372 - Human Osteology
  • ANTH 375 - Evolution of Primate Behavior
  • ANTH 376 - Evolution of Human Adaptation
  • ANTH 378 - Bipedal Apes
  • ANTH 465 - Zooarchaeology
  • ANTH 470 - Paleontology Field School
  • ANTH 475 - Methods of Analysis in Paleoanthropology

Primatologists work in zoos caring for primates, conduct field research, and work in the lab. Jobs in this category may be found at Primate Info Net at University of Wisconsin-Madison, Denver Zoo, and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

Field Schools

Paleontology Field School

Internships

Denver Zoo
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The Nature Conservancy GLOBE Internships
Internships, Practicums, and Independent Study

Forensic Anthropologist

  • ANTH 275 - Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
  • ANTH 372 - Human Osteology
  • ANTH 374 - Human Biological Variation
  • ANTH 377 - Anthropological Perspectives: Evolution, Society
  • ANTH 379 - Evolutionary Medicine & Human Health
  • ANTH 472 - Human Biology

Forensic anthropologists, medical examiners, and coroners use osteological and anatomical training to make forensic identifications involving deceased humans. This career path requires graduate-level education; however, some undergraduates find positions as forensic/medical technicians or laboratory scientists using biological training and quantitative skills gained in the program. Jobs in this category are found at UC Health, Banner Health, Health District of Larimer County, Larimer County, and American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Field Schools

Paleontology Field School

Internships

UC Health
Banner Health
Internships, Practicums, and Independent Study

Museum Curator

  • ANTH 281A2 - Introduction to Museum Studies
  • ANTH 372 - Human Osteology
  • ANTH 373 - Human Evolution
  • ANTH 457 - Lithic Technology
  • ANTH 465 - Zooarchaeology
  • ANTH 456 - Archaeology and the Public
  • ANTH 462 - Anthropology Curation & Exhibition Methods

Museum curators, collections assistants, and education officers and coordinators are tasked with the organization, management, preservation, and interpretation of artifact collections held in museums, repositories, and interpretive centers. Jobs in this category are found at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the Museum Employment Resource Center.

Field Schools

Archaeology Field School
Paleontology Field School

Internships

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Smithsonian
Internships, Practicums, and Independent Study

Health Professions

  • ANTH 340 - Medical Anthropology
  • ANTH 372 - Human Osteology
  • ANTH 376 - Evolution of the Human Adaptation
  • ANTH 379 - Evolutionary Medicine & Human Health
  • ANTH 416 - Gender, Culture, and Health
  • ANTH 472 - Human Biology

Some students may be interested in public health or medical careers. Our program prepares students for graduate-level education in epidemiology, nutrition and exercise, global health, medicine, nursing or dentistry. In addition to the resources above, jobs in this category are found at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Pan American Health Organization, and the World Health Organization.

Field Schools

Paleontology Field School

Internships

UC Health
Banner Health
Internships, Practicums, and Independent Study