What do you have to do to become a paleontologist?

Answer 1

Most professional paleontologists are college professors. To teach at college you need a PhD. The first step is to earn a bachelor's degree. Few colleges have bachelor's programs specifically in Paleontology, but most offer paleontology courses in their geology departments. At The Bachelor's level, aspiring paleontologists usually major in geology, biology, or a related area. It's important to get a good grounding in both of these fields, as well as in ecology, evolution, zoology, and chemistry. It's also a good idea to take courses in statistical analysis and math. Once you have completed your bachelor's degree, you can go for your master's degree, then your PhD. Master's programs take between 1 and 2 years to complete; PhD programs generally take 4 or 5 years. Students enrolled in these programs usually specialize in one area of paleontology, such as vertebrate paleontology. A master's degree will qualify you for some private sector, government, and museum jobs. With a PhD, however, you will have a higher starting salary and be more likely to be promoted to senior positions. If you are thinking about becoming a paleontologist, you should take as many science and math courses as you can while in high school. You should also develop your computer skills, as computers are used extensively to organize and analyze paleontological data. Most museums take on volunteers; you should try to get hands-on experience with fossil collections as soon as possible. Depending on where you live, you may even be able to start collecting your own fossils locally. Paleontologists at colleges or museums in your area can tell you where to start looking.

Sample High School Program of StudyGrade 9Grade 10Grade 11Grade 12English/Language Arts

• English/Language Arts I

• English/Language Arts II

• English/Language Arts III

• English/Language Arts IVMath

• Algebra I or Geometry

• Geometry or Algebra II

• Algebra II or Trigonometry• Pre-Calculus or Statistics

• Trigonometry or Pre-Calculus/Calculus or AP Calculus or Math AnalysisScience

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Organic Chemistry or Structured Computer Program LanguageSocial Studies/Sciences

• State History• Civics

• U.S. History

• World History• World Geography

• Economics• EntrepreneurshipCareer & Technical Courses

• Introduction to Careers• Laboratory Practices and Biology Laboratory

• Information Technology Applications or Chemistry Laboratory

• Physics Laboratory

• Scientific Research (Some or all of the following postsecondary courses may be taught at the high school level.)

Answer 2

To become a paleontologist, you typically need at least a bachelor's degree in geology, Biology, paleontology, or a related field. Pursuing advanced degrees such as a master's or Ph.D. can further specialize your expertise. Practical experience through internships, fieldwork, and research projects is also valuable for a career in paleontology.