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 are offered sporadically
  • 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.

Helpful Information on Applying to Graduate Programs in Forensic Anthropology

The American Board of Forensic Anthropology has an FAQ page that answers many common questions. 

Self-Directed Learner (SDL) Program

The SDL Program provides opportunities for undergraduate students to learn more about the "real world" of Forensic Anthropology. The program is designed to enable motivated students a space to learn and practice methods used in Forensic Anthropology. Students who meet the minimum eligibility qualifications may apply. A maximum of four new undergraduate students will be admitted into the program each fall semester.

The application for Fall 2023 is due by August 1, 2023. No late applications will be considered. 

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 GPA of 3.20, after the completion of the Spring semester following application submission

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 will only be accepted for fall semesters and must be submitted by midnight on August 1 of each year, as no late submittals will be considered.
    • Fill out and submit the application provided below
    • Submit a copy of transcript to the director, Dr. Listi (glisti1@lsu.edu), via email
    • Pending an invitation, schedule and attend meeting with the director

Review Process

    • All applications will be reviewed at the same time, proceeding the due date
    • Once an application has been reviewed and Minimum Eligibility Requirements are verified, the Director will contact the student to schedule a virtual meeting. Meetings will be scheduled on a first-to-respond, first-served basis. Preference for SDL slots will be given to upperclassmen. When all slots are filled, students with approved applications will be placed on a waiting list. These applicants may be admitted to the SDL Program in the spring semester if a slot opens up. Students who are denied admittance to the SDL program are welcomed to reapply the following fall semester.

Reasons that Applications May be Denied

    • Complete application was not received by the due date
    • 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 prior to the start of the semester
    • Students must reply to the Director to indicate their acceptance and submit their school schedule within one week of the date of notification. Failure to respond within the given time frame or failure to attend the orientation will result in the automatic loss of SDL status.
    • Students must attend a mandatory orientation meeting which is typically scheduled during the first few weeks of classes in the fall semester

SDL Program Application

Report your cumulative GPA as of the end of the last semester.

Your status as of the coming Fall semester.

Your application will not be considered without a transcript.

Explain why you want to participate in the LSU FACES Lab Self-Directed Learning (SDL) Program. Statements should be carefully thought-out and well-written. This statement will be used to select participants. Suggestions on what to include: previous experiences, why you are interested in forensic anthropology, your future career goals, relevant courses you have taken, etc.

Note: Applications that are received by August 8, 2022 will be reviewed and a meeting will be scheduled for those that meet the minimum eligible qualifications (MEQs). Contact Dr. Listi (glisti1@lsu.edu) with any questions about the application process. Notifications will be made prior to the start of the semester.

I authorize that all information provided on this form, including any and all personal and academic data may be shared with the LSU FACES Laboratory to initiate an application for the SDL Program. This data will be retained indefinitely. To learn more about privacy at LSU, please see the LSU Privacy Statement: https://www.lsu.edu/privacy/

 

 

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