I Want to be a Paleontologist

Contrary to popular belief, paleontology is more than just dinosaurs. Paleontology is the study of the history of life on Earth, as reflected in fossil records. There are many subdivisions of the field of paleontology, including vertebrate paleontology, invertebrate paleontology, micropaleontology, paleobotany, taphonomy, biosrtatigraphy, and paleoecology. Paleontologists are also frequently involved in studies about evolutionary biology.

Preparation for becoming a paleontologist can begin as early as freshman year of high school. The best starting point is a college-prep program with as many math and science courses as possible. Outside reading and visiting museums with fossil displays is helpful. Good overall grades in high school are almost always required for admission to a good college or university, which is a necessary prerequisite for a career in paleontology.

In college, a strong background in science, primarily biology and geology, is absolutely necessary. Courses which are recommended to students that are pursuing a career in paleontology that attend the University of Michigan are Sedimentary Geology, Organismal Function and Evolution, Intro to Paleontology, Paleontology Laboratory, and Fossil Record. Once you have taken these classes, you must to choose I want to major in biology or geology.

A doctorate or PhD is also important for any serious professional career in paleontology. Before you pursue a doctorate, you may choose to take classes to get your Masters degree. An MS in paleontology usually takes 2 to 3 years to complete. A PhD usually takes 4 to 6 years (if you already received an MS) or 6 to 8 (if you haven t already received a PhD).

The salary of a paleontologist can greatly vary. The salaries, determined by Surveys of the National Association of Colleges and Employees, of several similar occupations are listed.

 Geologist (w/ Bachelor s) - $30, 900

 Geoscientists (in oil and gas industry)(less than two years experience) - $48, 400

 Federal Government s Avg. Salary for:

 Geologists - $59, 700

 Geophysicist - $67, 100

I chose this career because I have had an interest in this field of science for several years, and I find the prospect of discovering something new to world very exciting.